Ops-Talk

Yokota airmen recall duty on Iraq convoys
`Centurions' spent nine months rolling across Iraq
By Bryce S. Dubee, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Tuesday, November 28, 2006
U.S. Air Force
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan - A group of airmen and soldiers entered a
chow hall at an air base in Iraq , just coming off a long convoy
from Kuwait . Dusty and tired, with weapons slung on their
shoulders, they all sat down together, talking loudly with each
other while they ate.
While the strangers ate, other airmen stationed at the base looked
questioningly at each other. Who were these guys?
The airmen in question were part of the 424th Medium Truck
Detachment, the "Centurions." Based out of Camp Arifjan , Kuwait ,
the 424th was an Air Force detachment that worked with the Army,
driving convoys to deliver much-needed supplies to bases throughout
Iraq .
Unlike many other airmen deployed to Southwest Asia for usually
about 120 days, 424th members were mobilized from various Air Force
units and deployed for nine months.
Last week, 14 Yokota airmen assigned to the 424th, returned home to
Japan from their Iraq tour. Three airmen from the deployment, Staff
Sgt. Marilyn Wilbur, Staff Sgt. Corey Hotel and Senior Airman
Michael Lawrence, recently sat down to share their wartime
experience.
"We started out with one main goal," Wilbur said. "We came in with
163 people and came out with 163."
With the unit logging more than 1.9 million miles over the course of
242 missions, Wilbur said, working on such a demanding mission
brought everyone together like family.
"I wouldn't trade working with them for the world," she said.
Working beside Army units, who provided gun-truck support, was
rewarding in seeing how another service operates, Hotel said. But
even inter-service cooperation may have its limits. "I don't," Hotel
added, "ever want to hear `hoo-ah' again."
When the airmen first arrived in Kuwait , there was a feeling of
having to prove themselves to the soldiers, said Lawrence, who has
done three tours in Iraq .
"I always like hearing that the Air Force doesn't do convoys," said
Wilbur, laughing.
But after a while, the airmen said, they were showing the ropes to
newly arrived Army units.
"In the end, we still all had U.S. on our uniforms," Lawrence said.
Driving to almost every base in Iraq , all three airmen inevitably
saw combat.
While Lawrence was driving the lead Humvee on one convoy, his
vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Using his
training, he led the convoy out of the kill zone and performed first
aid on his truck commander, enabling the convoy eventually to
continue the mission. "It just happened all at once and everything
went like clockwork," he said.
The training that took place in Japan , the United States and
Kuwait , the airmen said, paid off once they got on the road in
Iraq - especially combat lifesaving and the Basic Combat Convoy
Course.
Wilbur acknowledged the fear she felt crossing the border for the
first time from Kuwait into Iraq , not knowing what to expect on the
now-infamous Iraqi highways. After a while, as she started to figure
things out, her confidence on the road grew, she said, but she still
had some fear - which kept her alert to potential dangers. "You have
to have some fear," she said. "If not, something is wrong."
Hotel agreed, adding, "complacency kills."
With their Iraq mission over, the airmen will return to their jobs
in the 374th Logistic Readiness Squadron.
"I really missed Japan ," Lawrence said.
"I'm still in mommy mode," Wilbur said, adding that while she was
gone, her 3-year-old son grew so much and began to become more
independent.

Senior Airman Michael Lawrence shakes hands with an Army colonel
after receiving the Army Combat Action Badge for his actions on a
convoy in Iraq .

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http://www.computersciencesraytheon.com/home.html (link to CSR page)

http://careers.csc.com/careersource/cscpvs2.nsf/(vwSummary)?SearchView&Query=([SearchField]=(logistics)|[Body]=(logistics))&SearchMax=1000 (CSC site with logistics positions)

Listing Details

Logistics Clerk on Antigua Air Station

Primary Role Title:Logistics Specialist Date Listed:29-Nov-2006 Work Location:Patrick Afb • Florida • USA Special Considerations:Security Clearance Required. Relocation Assistance Not Available. Principal Duties and Essential Job Functions:Responsibilities include but are not limited to requisitioning, receiving, storing, shipping, identifying, inventorying, recording, and issuing of supplies, materials, and equipment required for the operation and maintenance of technical and facility support activities. Building aircraft pallets and stuffing sea vans to various locations. Basic Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of three years Air Force Base Supply experience or equivalent, is required. Must have working knowledge of SBSS (Standard Base Supply System), PCSP (Property Control), and requirements to include property accountability and control. Experience with AFEMS, Forward Supply Point, and Bench Stock procedures is required. Must be familiar with AFMAN 23-110, FAR 45.5 and requirements, including shipment of Hazmat materials, Tool Crib procedures, and PMEL. A working knowledge of a logistics/computerized maintenance management software system (such as MAXIMO) is desirable. Ability to operate equipment associated with materials handling including forklifts, 25K-Loader, hand trucks, pallet dolly, 10 ton truck, and other associated vehicles is required. Must have the ability to handle logistics projects simultaneously, demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written communications, and be a self-starter. Must be able to comply with government regulations covering acquisitions, processing, and accountability of government property. Must be able to use a computer, learn new software, lift cargo of at least 40 pounds, and stand for long periods of time during a workday. Must be able to interface with all levels of personnel in a multi-cultural team-oriented environment. Some overtime is required. Must possess a valid drivers license. Must be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check (NAC) which requires U.S. Citizenship. This position is assigned to Antigua Air Station and no family accommodations are available.

My email address and phone number if anyone has questions.

Mike Hopkins

CSR 6230; Logistics Support Unit

St. Johns, Antigua; West Indies

DSN; 965-2236

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Northrop Grumman Technical Services is looking for qualified bus drivers, dispatchers, supply and personnel with Fleet or VM&A experience for positions in Qatar. Bus drivers must possess a CDL B w/P endorsement and be able to obtain a security clearance. The pay is very competitive, TAX FREE and includes room and board. All pre-employment expenses, medical examination, passport, visa, police records check, and deployment travel are paid by the company. Employment agreements are for 12 month periods. If you are interested send a resume to: mike.sharp@auab.centaf.af.mil