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TMO puts people, things on the move

By Airman 1st Class Alice Moore
40th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (ACCNS) -- The transport of passengers and cargo is an essential part of the daily operations here. The Traffic Management Office of the 40th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron ensures equipment and people get to where they need to be.

When it comes to cargo movement, the shop handles primarily unserviceable aircraft parts and equipment, said MSgt. Jeff Dahlinger, the TMO superintendent.

"We deal with approximately 90 percent of unserviceable parts and equipment," he said. "The cargo gets shipped to various depots for repair."

"The cargo movement section of TMO also keeps a close watch over all cargo that is destined here. This assists commanders and supervisors to schedule work priorities," said Sergeant Dahlinger.

"Working in cargo here is a little more interesting than at my home station," said Airman 1st Class Karen Wigger, of the TMO. "Being here, I have the opportunity to work closer with air transportation which allows me to learn more about their jobs and what they do."

Since the start of this rotation, TMO has shipped approximately 40 tons of cargo, Sergeant Dahlinger said.

Once cargo is moved from one destination to another, the team also must assist with the arrival and departure of people, Sergeant Dahlinger said.

"Moving people has its rewards," he said. "It's good to know we have a vital hand in reuniting airmen with family and friends back at their home stations."

The unit redeployment managers will work with TMO to handle travel arrangements for most people leaving. However, those departing out of rotation report to TMO and fill out a worksheet and provide three copies of their orders to have travel arrangements booked. Once TMO receives the necessary paperwork, individuals are usually on their way out of here within 24 to 48 hours, he said.

TMO will not ship excess baggage, he said. Individuals may mail their own bags to their home address. If their orders allow excess baggage, the cost of mailing the bags is reimbursable.

"We work hard to provide support to this mission," Sergeant Dahlinger said. "Essentially, there is nothing or no one that moves without us."