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An Airman assigned to the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron positions a forklift while transporting cargo, July 27, 2018 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. On any given day, the 48th LRS can inspect and load up to 50 pieces of cargo for transport. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks)

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An Airman assigned to the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron secures equipment on a cargo pallet, July 27, 2018 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. To ensure cargo fits inside of the transporting aircraft, the 48th LRS weigh the equipment and measure it’s dimensions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks)

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Airmen assigned to the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron adjusts a pallet while loading cargo on to a conveyer belt, July 27, 2018 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. To transport the equipment, the 48th LRS uses various types of aircraft to transport cargo such as the Boeing 747, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks)

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An Airman assigned to the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron directs a forklift driver as they begin loading a cargo pallet, July 27, 2018 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. In most cases, the 48th LRS have only a few days to inspect, load and transport equipment to support operations for deployed units. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks)

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An Airman assigned to the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron inspects cargo and equipment before final transportation July 27, 2018 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. The inspections conducted on cargo shipped from the Liberty Wing ensure it completes with Department of Defense, U.K, and gaining country’s regulations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks)

48th LRS enables IAS mission

Published Aug. 10, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Over 280 Airmen and 14 F-15C/D Eagles from the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland in support of the Icelandic Air Surveillance mission, NATO alliance commitments and training.

The operation promotes regional stability and security, while fostering partner capabilities and strengthening trust with Iceland. The U.S. presence serves as a symbol of reassurance to European allies of its commitment to peace and regional security.

The 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron tackled the challenge of delivering the aircraft and equipment required to execute the IAS mission. Without the proper equipment and aircraft, the 493rd EFS could not deliver this regional security.

“We move the wing,” said Airman 1st Class Dane Johnson, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation journeyman. “If anyone wants to deploy or go on temporary duty, they go through us.”

However, the task wasn’t as simple as loading up cargo and flying it over to Iceland. The process required different components within LRS to work together.

Logistics planners began coordinating and distributing directives months before movement and operations. The team closely followed Department of Defense directives to ensure all transported equipment arrives in compliance with the customs policy of Iceland.

Missions such as IAS help LRS Airmen maintain currency and training requirements essential to readiness standards. If shipping regulations are not met, the shipment will be rejected, resulting in a detrimental operational delay of the mission.

Once the planning stage was completed, Airmen assigned to the Cargo Deployment Function of LRS, also known as the CDF, immediately started coordinating and sequencing all cargo coming through their facility to transport to Iceland within a two-day period. It was then shipped to an advance team comprised of 48th LRS Airmen waiting at Keflavik Air Base to receive it.

Successful international operations like these are a testament to the cooperative efforts and enduring relationship between the U.S., allies and partner nations. The 48th LRS plays an important role in those operations by ensuring Airmen have what they need, when they need it.