69th APS's Operation Port Fury mission complete

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Ashley Crawford
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
Combat preparation is essential for all Reservists, and the Airmen with the 69th Aerial Port Squadron are no exception. The unit conducted "Operation Port Fury" in order to improve combat readiness June 7-8 at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. 

"One of our main focuses is improving the combat ability of our Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Keith Cockey, 69th APS combat readiness chief. "We also want to build their endurance and increase their determination." 

The training was also a chance for the Airmen to gain the leadership and decision-making skills needed to be a successful team. 

"From Airmen to chief, everyone came together and worked cohesively as a unit," said Capt. Albert Olagbemiro, 69th APS cargo officer in charge. "Each person had an opportunity to enhance and improve leadership and other skills, which is something they can apply to their military and civilian careers." 

Some of the training designed to promote teamwork included obstacle and land navigation courses, which required each team member to effectively communicate their way through the challenges. 

"The exercise gave us a team building opportunity outside of what we normally do," Captain Olagbemiro said. 

The Airmen also received training not typically available at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Chief Cockey added. 

"We can take knowledge gained from this learning process and apply it to future training," Captain Olagbemiro said. 

Although the training was difficult and the heat index was more than 100 degrees, the Airmen became more confident with each obstacle they completed. 

"The Airmen learned they are capable of more than what they may have thought," the chief said. 

Once the Airmen figured out how to work through each obstacle, they came together as a team to complete the mission. 

"The key was understanding and acceptance of wartime communications as best we could," said Senior Airman Karyn Kelly, 69th APS transportation specialist. 

"It was a learning experience that enabled all of us to really come together."