Port Dawgs flex muscle

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Kuch
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing chief of Strategic Communication
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Heavy lifting is nothing new to Team Travis ... it's what we do in defense of our nation and freedom around the world. Nobody appreciates this more than our Aerial Port Squadron, the "Port Dawgs," who are responsible for the management and movement of all cargo and passengers on every aircraft that departs the base. Simply stated, everything that leaves Travis by air goes through our port. 

And it's been this way since the installation's beginning. Initially activated in 1943 as a bomber-fighter base to defend the West Coast, Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base (renamed Travis AFB in 1951) was quickly reassigned to Air Transport Command as aerial port to supply the Pacific theater. From then on, Travis was referred to as the "Gateway to the Pacific." 

It did not take long for Travis to be regarded as "America's First Choice." By 1945, the base had become the largest aerial port on the West Coast. Nothing has changed since, as our porters are continuing that legacy 64 years later. The proof is in the numbers. 

Thus far, during this fiscal year, the port has processed and loaded more than 30,000 tons of cargo and 26,800 passengers. To put that into perspective, the aerial ports have moved the equivalent of 18,000 Ford Mustangs and the city of Suisun. In doing so, our port dawgs proved they believe in "deeds, not words." 

The outstanding performance of our total force -- both active duty and reserve -- aerial port has been recognized at all levels of the Air Force enterprise. Numerous team and individual awards highlight the extraordinary accomplishments of this fine-tuned team of professionals who help to accomplish AMC's mission -- "providing global air mobility ... the right effects, right place, right time." 

Just as the guidon was recently passed from the Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Robert Charlesworth, early this month, so too was the legacy of the excellence for those to follow. The aircraft and people may change, but the mission remains.