Posted on April 29, 2019
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Georgia – Six Reserve Airmen from the 81st Aerial Port Squadron based out of Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, were first-time competitors in the biennial Air Force Reserve Command Port Dawg Challenge, April 23-25, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.
The Port Dawg Challenge is Air Force Reserve Command’s premier aerial port competition created to promote professionalism, demonstrate global mission capabilities, and help identify best practices to improve wartime readiness. The 81st APS was one of 26 teams consisting of U.S. Air Force active duty, reserve, guard and a Royal Air Force Reserve unit. The challenge tested the teams’ skill, knowledge, endurance and ability to work together in a high-speed environment.
Staff Sgts. Elizabeth Morales and Tiffany Carey represented the team in the first of 12 scheduled events, the 10k loader forklift obstacle course. “I’m definitely excited after this event. My adrenalin is pumping and I’m ready to do the next one,” said Morales.
Later that day, all six team members competed in the Fit to Fight event. The grueling course included a run, 160-pound sled push, mobility bag carry, litter carry, and burpees. To finish, the team rushed a steep incline carrying a weighted pipe.
“This event really brought out our warrior spirit,” said Tech. Sgt. Anel Dominque. “I couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishment of completing the event because it was hard.”
The three-day challenge came to a close with an energetic award ceremony full of port dawg squadron chants as winners of the 12 individual events were announced and the overall Port Dawg Challenge trophy was awarded. The 81st APS brought home the Best Aerial Port Load Planning Team Award.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Tech. Sgt. Dwayne Smith. “The team came together and made things happen.”
Source: dvidshub.net
