In Alaska, Travis helps firefighters stay safe Published June 6, 2014 60th Aerial Port Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 60th Aerial Port Squadron was called into action May 30 and 31 to help fight the wildfires in Alaska. "Seems we are the quick-reaction force for swift logistical movement for constant emergencies worldwide," said John "Buck" Buchanan, 60th APS civilian port operations officer. On May 30 APS leadership received a distress call from Defense Logistics Agency out of Tracy, California. The 349th Air Mobility Wing was conducting a training sortie to Alaska for which the 60th APS had scheduled cargo. Once Buchanan was notified of the emergency, port, air transportation and maintenance operations geared up and stood ready for the challenge later that day to receive and build up the shelters for military air movement. Staff Sgt. Cory Ruffin, 60th APS night shift cargo supervisor, had his team ready and engaged the task at hand. At this point, the aircraft was readied by the 60th Maintenance Squadron and turned over to 60th Aerial Port Squadron expeditor who proceeded to load aircraft. The critical cargo departed Saturday and arrived in time for to be issued first thing Monday morning. "Many thanks go out to Team Travis from DLA and myself for moving the emergency fire shelters," Buchanan said.