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Got parts? RoK and USAF logistics train together during UFG’11

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt Thomas Taylor
  • 7th Air Force Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Ask anyone what really makes a unit work, and they'll probably tell you---food and supplies for the troops. Without these, the mission simply can't get done.

Here, a team called the Combined Air Logistics Center (CALC) is a multifaceted organization responsible for providing logistics oversight for munitions, aircraft maintenance logistics plans, supply and fuels for the Korean area of operations. And needless to say, their role during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian '11 is the pulse of operations at all levels.

Everything is tracked, all the time---from vehicles, equipment parts and ammo. "We track everything. Whether it's as small as a single 5.56 round or as big as an AIM-120 missile", according to Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Kasper, 7th Air Force Munitions War Planner.

It is comprised of approximately 120 U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force personnel involving six different career fields. Ultimately they are responsible for tracking and making sure the equipment and supplies necessary for conducting operations within the Korean area of responsibility are available to meet mission needs 24/7.

"The most challenging part of the job is consistently verifying our data", said Master Sgt Carlos Alvarado, Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent. The information is passed to higher levels where it impacts the operational decision process.

It takes coordination from multiple sections involving a lot of moving parts. All the services work in conjunction with one another to keep the equipment and supplies flowing.

"This exercise provides us with the opportunity to work with other logistical functions and helps us understand how we all fit into the big picture to provide fully mission capable aircraft.. (to commanders)," explained Master Sgt Alvarado.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Donna Davis, CALC A4 Vehicle Management the "language barrier" between U.S. and ROK personnel is the biggest hurdle she has encountered. It does not keep things from getting done but, "it may take a little longer translating what you are saying."

"The most impressive part of the job is how the U.S. Air Force works alongside ROK Air Force overcoming language barriers and cultural differences," said Tech. Sgt. Kasper. "We share assets, thoughts and knowledge to achieve a single goal--completing the mission."