60th APS competes at AMC-level

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th Aerial Port Squadron is competing for the Air Mobility Command Large Terminal Unit of the Year.

While the 60th APS does not move the amount of cargo as Ramstein and Charleston, their competitors for the AMC award, the 60th APS has a track record of innovation that gives them an edge on the competition.

"We're changing the face of port operations," said Capt. Vianesa Vargas, 60th APS operations officer. "[These changes are] not coming from a commander or chief -- it's the folks working the mission everyday who are saying we need to look at these things and make them better."

The 60th APS has completed seven transformation initiatives, and has completed four LEAN Events.

"The culture that we have in the Aerial Port embraces the transformation effort to do things more efficiently and to better serve our customers," said Lt. Col. Michael Holmes, 60th APS commander. "This has been a team-based effort. Our young Airman, our civilians and NCOs are all very much involved in changing the way we do business."

One of the LEAN Initiatives combined traffic management with cargo operations this allows the 60th APS to move cargo more efficiently.

In fact, their cargo terminal is almost empty, according to Captain Vargas, because cargo moves so quickly through the terminal.

"We cut so much fat with our cargo processes that our cargo storage is no longer full," Captain Vargas said.

Another LEAN Initiative has changed the call time for Space A passengers from three hours to two.

"What we've accomplished already has been recognized by AMC," Colonel Holmes said.
"Some programs have been benchmarked and implemented by other bases."

Inspectors from AMC arrived here Thursday and in keeping with the fast-paced environment there, the 60th APS was only given a week's notice to prepare for the inspectors.

The 60th APS is being evaluated on its mission accomplishments, innovative management accomplishments, personnel quality of life programs and effective use of transportation resources.

If the 60th APS wins at the AMC-level, they will go on to compete at the Air Force-level.