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Last of deployed Reserve aerial port airmen return

  • Published
Nineteen airmen, the last of 48 aerial porters originally activated in February 2003 in support Operation Iraqi Freedom, returned to McChord Feb. 3.

Aerial port workers from the 36th Aerial Port Squadron of the 446th Airlift Wing (Reserve) were activated for one year and originally deployed to Charleston AFB, S.C., to process cargo and passengers for airlift, and conduct aircraft loading and unloading, air terminal operations centers, and other air transportation activities. The aerial porters were subsequently deployed to Dover AFB, Del., and then various overseas locations such as Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Baghdad International Airport. The Reserve airmen began returning Jan. 22.

The 446th AW is an Air Force Reserve Command wing. Reservists in the 446th AW support the Air Mobility Command mission at McChord and around the world on a daily basis.

A part of the Ready Reserve, the 446th AW is made up of more than 2,300 trained reservists who may be recalled to active duty to augment active forces in time of war or national emergency.