CDF processes tons of cargo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  When people think of a deployment, little details like cargo processing don't always cross their minds, but for Airmen working on the cargo deployment function, it's one of their biggest concerns.

Airmen from the CDF processed hundreds of tons of cargo during the Phase I portion of Exercise Sharpshooter 08-04 starting Feb. 23. Run by the 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, the cargo line is responsible for getting everything from tool boxes to vehicles to the deployed location.

"We process all of the equipment needed to support the mission," said Staff Sgt. Donald Price, 366th Maintenance Operations Squadron CDF in-check technician.

"The CDF checks for air worthiness of cargo, ensures pallets have been properly built and labeled and also provides load teams to upload and secure the cargo on transport aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Stuart Link, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of air terminal operations.

The cargo process begins in the float yard where equipment is placed for the initial inspection.

"We're the first to look at all the cargo before it gets shipped," said Tech. Sgt. Jacob Huston, 366th EMS float yard technician.

After cargo is cleared by the float yard, Sergeant Price and other Airmen at the in-check station weigh and inspect cargo once again to ensure it's ready for shipping.

"We get the cargo from the float yard and make sure it's good to go before sending it out," said Sergeant Price.

During the exercise, the CDF processed more than 20 chalks, or groups, of equipment in the three days of Phase I. To achieve this, the CDF employed personnel from different work areas around the base. Before joining the CDF, troops must first receive training on the rules and regulations of Air Force cargo movement and processing to make them eligible to support exercises or real-world deployments.

"The key to a successful CDF is training," said Sergeant Link.

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