SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 the United States Coast Guard mobilized reservist Timothy A. Aines, of Northbrook, Illinois.

With 7 years of active duty and 14 years of reserve duty in the Coast Guard Reserve, Aines has risen to the rank of commander. He is a member of the Joint Transportation Reserve Unit, U.S. Transportation Command, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He will be mobilized for a year and will serve as a Coast Guard intelligence officer.

"Operation Enduring Freedom is a chance to serve when needed and utilize the skills we are trained for," Aines said. "Some of this is tough to do, and I really miss my family and little things like home cooked meals and spending time with the family, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's probably my last great military adventure before I retire."

USTRANSCOM provides air, land, and sea transportation for the Department of Defense, both in time of peace and times of war. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard (active and reserve) and Department of Defense civilian personnel staff the command.

JTRU was the first Department of Defense-authorized "joint" reserve unit. It was activated ten years ago to support USTRANSCOM's global transportation mission in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. JTRU provides USTRANSCOM with 30% of its watch standing workforce.