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Deploying behind the scenes

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200332518560
Story by Cpl. Jan Bender

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Corps is known by the world as a force in readiness. Throughout history Marines have proven this statement true by deploying in various environments and climates to enhance and sharpen the skills they'll need in time of conflict.

These deployments involve a significant amount of planning and logistical support that may seem transparent.

The Marines in charge of gathering, packaging, shipping and distributing these supplies are known as embarkation specialists.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212's Embarkation Chief, Cpl. Michael Meade, starts the planning for their deployments months before the squadron is scheduled to leave by calling a meeting of embark representatives from each section of VMFA-212.

Before the meeting, each section's representative is expected to have a full count of gear and a roster of Marines they will need while on the deployment.

Once the meeting is adjourned, section representatives set out to gather their gear and pack it in crates, while Meade visits the shops to ensure that each container meets strict weight and dimension limits.

Then by utilizing a number of computer programs, Meade sets up a load plan or "foot print" for the gear and personnel aboard the aircraft.

Meade then contacts Marine Aircraft Group 12 Headquarters with a "foot print" of the personnel and supplies so they can submit a request for squadron airlift transportation and arrange lodging for the troops during their deployment.

Once Meade knows what aircraft will be used for transport, he enters this data into a series of computer programs that take into consideration the load capacity and cargo space of each aircraft and compiles a load plan for each one.

"Our flight schedule is never set in stone, so we have to be flexible and allow a three to four day window," noted Meade. "Sometimes at the last minute I have to layout a new load plan for different types of aircraft, due to availability."

Twenty-four hours before the scheduled flight, the crates are loaded and transported to the flight line by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment operators to be inspected by Japanese and American officials.

"They inspect the crates to ensure that any hazardous material aboard is properly labeled," said Meade. "Each crate must be plaquered with a piece of paper listing its weight, dimensions, contents and destination."

Meade then ensures every Marine and each piece of gear is accounted for before he jumps on to the last cargo plane.

"It's my responsibility to ensure everyone has everything they need to perform their job while on the deployment, so I'm always the last man to leave and the last one coming home," said Meade.

Once on the ground at the new point of operation, Meade works to distribute each piece of gear to the proper sections.

"While we are deployed I have to start making all the necessary arrangements for the trip home. The whole process starts over," said Meade.

Although the job requires a lot of detailed work, in the end it can be very rewarding for embarkation specialists.

"This job can be chaotic trying to get all the Marines and gear to the right place at the right time," said Meade. "But in the end it is really rewarding and through this job I've had the opportunity to experience a lot of different places and cultures that I didn't even know existed."