Vehicle Operations keeps Travis moving at night Published Nov. 26, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- When pilots are flying an aircraft, they have the responsibility of keeping everyone on board safe. But when they are in transit to and from the aircraft, somebody else needs to step in to keep them safe, particularly at night. The motor vehicle operators of the 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron accomplish this by keeping their mission moving 24 hours a day. For the operators moving aircrews in the dead of night, there are extra safety precautions and challenges. "Driving on the flightline at night can be challenging," said Jacques Rheaume, 60th LRS motor vehicle operator. "The darkness causes low visibility and when you throw inclement weather on top of that, it can get very difficult. You just have to take your time and know exactly where you are at all times." Vehicle operators are charged with the responsibility of delivering aircrews to Travis planes, no matter what time of day it is or what the weather conditions are like. They may pick them up from thier squadron, base operations or the hotel before bringing them to the aircraft. They also need to return them safely after they land. "If I have a crew with me at night, I have to really read the flightline and be familiar with each (entry control point)," said Charley Reid, 60th LRS motor vehicle operator. "I need to keep an eye out for any taxiing aircraft, vehicles or construction projects going on out there. When it gets foggy or rainy here, that can make it tricky." The drivers make sure to talk to each other every day and between every shift change. This ensures they are up to speed on the conditions of the flightline and any weather they may encounter, Rheaume said. In addition to driving, the motor vehicle operators on night shift are responsible for servicing and fueling vehicles for the next day. "We typically know a few hours in advance before an aircrew will need to be picked up," Rheaume said. "So that affords us the opportunity to take care of our other duties and be responsible about inspecting our vehicles before operating them." Even though working the night shift can affect his social and family life because he has to sleep during the day, Rheaume said he prefers it. "There is a lot of responsibility out here at night," he said. "It's all about situational awareness and knowing your surroundings."