APS rightly known as Super Port Published April 29, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Brian Maguire 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- To the untrained eye, the home of the 436th Aerial Port Squadron looks like an unassuming, enormous warehouse, but to the Port Dawgs who work there and the men and women who rely on the cargo processed there, it is a vital building in the air bridge that sustains American forces. "The Super Port's mission is absolutely critical for our nation's defense," said Lt. Col William Peterson, 436th APS commander. "We are the primary cargo hub for all cargo going into combat areas. Our mission makes it possible to sustain our deployed forces, from all services." The Aerial Port facility has only been open for 18 months, but already has seen large amounts of cargo processed through there. During the month of March more than 22,000 tons of total aircraft cargo, meaning both inbound and outbound airlift cargo, was processed through the Aerial Port. That is the highest one-month total since 1991 and Operation Desert Storm. "During the peak, we were building around 150 aircraft pallets per day to keep up with our airlift," Colonel Peterson said. "For an idea of what that means, in March we loaded or unloaded more than 150 commercial 747 aircraft and completed more than 500 up- and down loads on C-17 and C-5 aircraft." In addition to the aircraft, the cargo also arrived and departed from the Aerial Port via trucks, managed by the Traffic Management Office. "The Traffic Management Office handled more than 1,900 inbound and outbound cargo trucks during March," said Tech. Sgt. David France, 436th APS Traffic Management Flight NCO in-charge packing and crating. The type of cargo varies widely, from giant squids for the Smithsonian and household goods for permanent change of station moves to parts for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and add-on armor kits for Humvees. Some of that cargo is responsible for saving lives, said 2nd Lt. Allen Batiste, 436th APS Air Freight Flight commander. "Our job as cargo movers is very important to the warfighter," the lieutenant said. "On a monthly basis we are moving essential cargo and supplies that the warfighter needs." Most of the cargo the Port Dawgs work with is headed to the Central Command area of responsibility, where approximately 80 members of the 436th APS are deployed to receive that same cargo. "The support we provide our personnel is critical to their success in the AOR," said 1st Lt. Donna Besley, 436th APS Combat Readiness and Resources Flight commander. "Additionally, we ensure our home station personnel have all the resources and training they need to get the cargo and [passengers] to the right place at the right time." Port Dawgs handle more than cargo. They assisted the 3rd Airlift Squadron as they deployed April 26, and care for the more than 200 passengers that transit Dover's Passenger Terminal each week, not to mention Fleet Services cleaning and preparing the aircraft for the crew and passengers. The variety of work provides for a satisfying and demanding work environment. "It is very fulfilling working in the Super Port knowing the effect it has on the troops downrange," said Lieutenant Batiste. "It is a very challenging endeavor, but it is well worth the effort." No matter what gets thrown at them, the members of the 436th APS are always ready, Lieutenant Besley said. "Port Dawgs are a determined and innovative group of folks whose focus on mission accomplishment is unsurpassed."