United States Transportation Command

ANAHEIM, Calif. (USTCNS) --- More than 2,400 people were schooled in 36 areas of air mobility issues as they attended the 32nd Annual Airlift Tanker Association convention here earlier this month.

The conference brought in members of 16 organizations, including the Royal Air Force, to present seminars on subjects ranging from Mobility 2000 to humanitarian missions in the Antarctica. The conference not only provides professional development, but also serves to preserve Air Force heritage, instill camaraderie and offer guidance for promotions.

For instance, experts discussed how Air Mobility Command's En Route locations support the aircrews, what's being done to improve that support and how future construction projects -- totaling $1 billion -- to improve runways and fuel storage will affect the mission.

Another seminar highlighted the contributions of Korean War veterans as the Air Force celebrates the 50th Anniversary of that war. The range of seminars went from operating in a biological warfare to the how several initiatives in the intel world are improving force protection.

This year there were three keynote speakers with Gen. Ralph Eberhart, commander in chief, Space Command, discussing the role of space in global mobility; Gen. Eric Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff, who spoke about the Army's transformation and its use of mobility; and Gen. Charles T. "Tony" Robertson, commander in chief, U.S. Transportation Command and commander, AMC, who provided a "state of the command" address at the convention's closure.

The general's report card for AMC highlighted the team efforts involved in a life-saving medevac flight for a newborn, for everyone's efforts during Rodeo 2000 -- the biannual airlift/tanker competition, for improving facilities, and for increasing promotion rates. He also spoke of AMC's lead in readiness issues, modernization, taking care of its people and the vision that leads the way.

"My advice for you leaders today is to never forget that you must absolutely, positively, and steadfastly take care of your people," said the general. "Be visionary and not only be critical of things but to be part of the process improvement. Also never, never forget what motivates us all -- the mission!"

The convention messages seemed to be successful as Master Sgt. Raymond Thomas, a ground equipment mechanic from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., said, "I now have a better concept of the Expeditionary Air Force and how the rotation patterns fit in for our base. I also enjoyed the chief's panel because there was a lot of discussion about retention and how to communicate with our troops."

Another attendee, Senior Airman Chassidy Dority, a medical service journeyman from Charleston AFB, S.C., said she has a much better understanding of why Charleston is "constantly deployed."

The convention was also a time to pay tribute to members of the airlift/tanker community. Awards went to 18 people for their contributions to the Air Force and in recognition of heroic actions.

The P.K. Carlton Award for Valor was presented to Capt. Clifton Janney, MacDill AFB, Fla. While flying his KC-135 during an Operation Allied Force night mission, he initiated, coordinated, and completed actions credited with saving the life of an A-10 pilot directly supporting the combat search and rescue operation for a downed F-117 pilot.

Huyser Aircrew of the Year awards went to Maj. Scott Tuner, Andrews AFB, Md.; Capt. Geoffrey Laing, McChord AFB, Wash.; Tech. Sgt. Willam Griesemer, Altus AFB, Okla.; Staff Sgt. Gerald Gantt, Travis AFB, Calif.; and Staff Sgt. Michael Conner, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Young Leadership Awards were presented to Capt. Elizabeth Brown, Ramstein AB, Germany; Capt. Scott Carroll, Laughlin AFB, Texas; Capt. Darlene Cheatham, McConnell AFB, Kansas; Staff Sgt. Billy Fly, Rota Naval Air Station, Spain; Capt. David Haase, Kadena AB, Japan; First Lt. Lisa McCormack, Shaw AFB, S.C.; Capt. Michael Minihan, Ramstein AB, Germany; Capt. Charles Nesemeier, Charleston AFB, S.C.; Staff Sgt. Bryan Orwig, Scott AFB, Ill.; Capt. John Price Jr., Grand Forks AFB, N.D.; Capt. Matthew Robertson, Dover AFB, Del.; and Capt. Samuel Vandiver, Scott AFB, Ill. (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).

Convention provides development for airlifters, tankers

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