KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 139th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Missouri, conducted aerial port freight operations training in conjunction with the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, at Kadena Air Base, Japan June 12, 2019.

The 139th LRS worked alongside their 733rd AMS counterparts to meet annual deployment field training requirements.

“We’re out here for about two weeks for our annual field training to help us to ensure a capable, ready force,” said 1st Lt. Charles Compton, 139th LRS Officer In-Charge of distribution. “The training presents us the opportunity to familiarize ourselves on different aircraft we wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to work with, like the KC-135s, and compare our operations to how other active duty squadrons conduct theirs.”

As an ANG component, the 139th LRS’s primary mission is to deploy in supports of both state and federal mission sets. From loading tons of potable water during a declared state of emergency to providing transportation of household goods, aerial port technicians ensure the efficient flow of cargo from origin to destination.

“The CFETP (career field education and training plan) also goes along with this training by getting us signed off on those tasks that are more difficult to complete at our home station,” said Master Sgt. Valen F. Selsor, 139th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in-charge of special handling. “It provides a level of knowledge, experience and readiness to deploy.”

Master Sgt. John H. Ohlberg, NCOIC of ramp operations, said the training wouldn’t have been possible without the help of 733rd AMS Airmen.

“Everybody in the 733rd was very welcoming of us when we arrived at Kadena, and treated us like family.” Ohlberg said. “We were able to mesh right in with their operations – it was probably the most seamless integration between two units that I’ve seen to date.”