Port Dawgs praised for excellence

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A team of Port Dawgs from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron on Travis Air Force Base travelled to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, Aug. 16 to accept the California Air Force Association Unit of the Year Award.

In addition to the CA AFA Unit of the Year Award, the 60th APS has been lauded for their unit accomplishments in 2013 through receipt of the Air Force Largest Air Terminal Unit of the Year, Air Mobility Command National Defense Transportation Association Active Duty Military Unit of the Year and Air Force Defense Packaging Policy Group awards.

"These awards reflect how busy we are every day, and how what we're doing has worldwide impact," said Maj. Peter Abercrombie II, 60th APS commander.

On behalf of the squadron, Port Dawgs from different flights were selected to represent the 60th APS when accepting the award. The 60th APS was considered for the award among approximately 97 other units.

With a workcenter spanning the Pacific Ocean, and home being the largest wing in AMC, the 60th APS still manages to support anyone in Transportation Command or Department of Defense, even if they're outside the area of responsibility.

"This is an opportunity for everyone in the 60th APS to take a step back and realize that every day when we're building cargo and loading aircraft, we are supporting the warfighter and providing humanitarian relief," Abercrombie said.

In the most recent near natural disaster, the 60th APS coordinated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency when tropical storms Iselle and Julio threatened the livelihood of Hawaiian residents in August.

"We were prepared to work alongside FEMA and support the enhanced flow of materials, had a natural disaster occurred," Abercrombie said.

Many Airmen will only witness the passenger terminal and space available sections of the APS throughout their careers. However, these Airmen are responsible for the movement of 42,000 tons of cargo, 43,000 passengers, 11,000 aircraft and 9,400 trucks in 2013 alone in support of worldwide operations.

"While we had a great year, it's not time to rest on our laurels and pat ourselves on the back," Abercrombie said. "Things are still happening around the world. We need to stay on our toes all the time and be ready to support whatever is needed from us."