Mobility squadron enables missions downrange

***image1***The 723rd Air Mobility Squadron — mission hard – mission ready.
The 723rd AMS is a proud and diverse organization providing critical support to thousands of United States government members and contractors stationed or deployed to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.
With resources to include manpower of more than 700 members, consisting of U.S. and local national civilians; 179 vehicles valued at more than $35 million and more than 26 facilities, the 723rd AMS provides the U.S. military’s top global support.
The squadron is the largest of its type in Air Mobility Command that provides en route support to organic AMC and contracted aircraft transiting Ramstein on a daily basis, said Col. A. Ray Myers, 723rd AMS commander.
The squadron also provides support to 86th Airlift Wing aircraft and C-130 Hercules aircraft deployed to the Delta squadron.
During fiscal 2003, the squadron moved 155,088 passengers and 226,278 tons of cargo on 20,743 missions. In the past 12 months, they have launched 477 C-5 missions, 1,099 C-141s, 1,596 C-17s, and 2,763 commercial chartered aircraft, in addition to supporting NATO and 86th AW aircraft.
The logistics flight is responsible for maintenance on all AMC aircraft that transit Ramstein. They do everything from servicing tires to engine changes to sending maintenance experts downrange for specialized aircraft recovery efforts as directed by the Tanker Airlift Control Center. The flight is supported by the forward supply location element that manages more than 3,200 line items valued at $35 million.
The transportation flight manages the AMC Passenger Terminal located on Ramstein.
“The fleet service element works with the 435th Air Base Wing In-Flight Kitchen to provide meals and other comfort items for passengers and crews on all missions,” said Chief Master Sgt, David Eisenhuth, air terminal manager.
The air freight section processes all cargo that arrives, departs or transits Ramstein by air, to include household goods, for locations from Norway to Israel.
The 723rd AMS processes cargo and passengers for all services as well as the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Commissary Agency, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the State Department, United Service Organizations and the U.S. Postal Service.
Ultimately, the unit supports every U.S. government installation in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.
Holding it all together, the Air Mobility Control Center provides command and control and flight following, along with alerting and briefing AMC aircrews.
The “C-2 Flight” also maintains 24-hour contact with AMC’s TACC, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Mobility Operations Control Center, the 86th AW and the 435th ABW C-2 element.
“The AMCC is also the cornerstone of the unit’s crisis response actions, such as squadron recalls and in-flight or ground emergencies,” said Capt. Brian Broekemeier, AMCC flight commander.
Last year, the squadron moved 120,000 tons of cargo and 42,000 passengers on 5,600 missions in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The squadron continued their winning tradition when they received the DOD 2003 Air Force “Special Category” Installation Excellence Award. They also earned “excellent” ratings on two inspections, the 21st Air Force Air Transportation Standardization and Evaluation inspection and the 2003 En route Readiness Inspection.
The squadron earned an Air Force Explosive Safety Award, as well as being named AMC AMCC of the Year for 2003.
Along with its sister squadrons throughout the AOR and our partners here in the KMC, we provide record-setting, award-winning, innovative service to hundreds of thousands of personnel, said Colonel Myers. “It’s a challenging mission, but one that has many rewards. We are committed to providing world-class, professional support to the DOD mission.”