AMC en-route locations: Yokota AMOG commander discusses importance of worldwide mobility presence

Published Dec. 1, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Since Col. Mark Baker took command of the 515th Air Mobility Operations Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, in June 2008 when the unit activated, he's seen the unit take its mission to new levels.

As a sub-unit of the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, the 515th AMOG provides "operational oversight" to all Air Mobility Command missions transiting the Western Pacific Region. It's the parent group to three operational squadrons -- the 730th Air Mobility Squadron at Yokota, the 731st AMS at Osan AB, Korea, and the 733rd AMS at Kadena AB, Japan. The oversight also includes operational detachments and operating locations in Singapore; Diego Garcia; Kunsan AB; Gimhae; U'Taphao, Thailand; and Clark AB, Philippines.

"We also provide a readily accessible air mobility expertise to the commanders of 5th Air Force, U.S. Forces Japan, and to 7th Air Forces, for U.S. Forces Korea," Colonel Baker said.

The 515th AMOG provides a greater command and control and coordinating effort for air mobility forces throughout the Western Pacific in support of war plans, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Colonel Baker said his units and others like them are leading a critical capability in providing global reach.

"Our fixed en-route air mobility squadrons, throughout the world, provide the accelerating force behind global reach laydown that allow rapid response to any situation -- from conflict to humanitarian assistance -- at a moment's notice," Colonel Baker said.

The commander said the 515th AMOG is comprised of nearly 1,000 people -- "a mix of blue suit Airmen, Air Force civilians, foreign nationals and contractor personnel." He added they work a diverse mission and meet all the mobility needs as they are presented.

One example of meeting those needs included Osan's 731st AMS Airmen working side-by-side with Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade to process three Apache AH-64 Block II helicopters at Osan in September. After unloading the new Block II helicopters, the Airmen and Soldiers then loaded three of the AH-64 Block I helicopters onto a C-17 Globemaster III -- completing the first of several swap outs.

"It was a great experience and a good opportunity for us to work with our sister service," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Gomes, 731st AMS Ramp Services Operations manager. "By helping the 2nd CAB accomplish their mission, it let us see just how effective AMC's global reach really is."

Colonel Baker said the 515th AMOG and its people have also stepped in to lead the mobility movement for President Barack Obama's recent visit to the Western Pacific and to support humanitarian assistance operations for the people of Indonesia, the Phillipines and American Samoa following a recent tsunami. It's through efforts like this he believes his mobility warriors will continue to do as they forge ahead for future operations, particularly with joint partners.

"We'll continue to support our joint partners in providing critical airlift for the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet, the U.S. Army in the Pacific, as well as 3rd Marine Expeditionary Forces in Okinawa (Japan)," Colonel Baker said.

The 515th AMOW at Hickam AFB was the first overseas wing established by AMC since 1992. The wing, which falls under AMC's 18th Air Force, has approximately 1,800 personnel assigned to it to include the people of the 515th AMOG. Colonel Baker said his unit and the wing overall have been very successful since it was established and that "excellence" is what they'll continue to strive for.

"The 515 Air Mobility Operations Group is 'AMC excellence in action,'" Colonel Baker said.

(Master Sgt. Paul Kilgallon, 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story)