Dover's Super Port decorated again

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Aerial Port Squadron, aptly named Dover's Super Port, won four awards for 2010 as part of Air Mobility Command's Air Traffic and Traffic Management Flight awards program.

The awards recognized the 436 APS for providing unparalleled support to ensure rapid global projection and sustainment of combat capability to support war-fighting commanders, said Maj. Gen. Kenneth Merchant, director of logistics, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

The 436 APS received four out of five available ATTMF awards: Traffic Management Flight of the Year, Passenger Service FOTY, Air Terminal Operations FOTY and Air Freight FOTY.

"We have a tradition of doing the job right the first time," said Lt. Col. William Webb, 436 APS commander. "Our mantra is: do it right, safe and on time."

Aerial port's mission is to process, load and transport passengers and cargo to where they are needed. They serve as a lifeline for deployed servicemembers, keeping them constantly supplied with mission-essential gear and provisions.

In 2010 alone, the Super Port handled more than 9,000 aircraft, more than 199,000 tons of cargo and more than 32,000 passengers.

"There's no typical commodity we supply, it all depends on what the war-fighters need to complete their mission," said Colonel Webb. "We ship everything, from computer toner to jet engine parts."

The 436 APS has a history of being recognized for its ability to accomplish its mission. A glass cabinet, placed in the Super Port's northern entryway, displays the numerous awards the 436 APS has received in the past.

"Every award we won this year, apart from the Passenger Terminal Award, we won last year as well," said Colonel Webb.

The Super Port's consistent recognition relies on both its leadership and its workforce.

"This team exceeds my expectations every day," said Colonel Webb. "The Airmen here have dealt with almost any situation they will see in this career field while state-side or overseas. It's no surprise they are being recognized."

One such Airman who helps further the squadron's mission on the ground is Staff Sgt. Evon Pretulak, 436 APS cargo processing shift supervisor.

"It's a great experience working with these people," said Sergeant Pretulak. "I've seen other bases' aerial ports, they don't compare."

One of the reasons the squadron succeeds in its mission is due to  its teamwork.

"We work as a whole unit here. If any link in the chain-of-command isn't working right, the entire operation suffers," said Sergeant Pretulak. "These young Airmen have so much responsibility placed on them, and they continue to succeed."

The 436 APS hopes to continue its success through this year by sticking to the basics.

"When we run into a crisis situation, we fall back on the basics and play things by-the-book," said Colonel Webb.