The Mobility Forum Posts

Illustration of a motorcyclist speeding on a sportbike with dynamic orange and black accents.

Applying Operational Risk Management Principles to Every Ride

By Mr. Joseph Fontanazza, Staff Writer

Many people ride motorcycles because of the feeling of freedom they provide. The bike is a simplified version of a motor vehicle, and the air is open, so even a routine commute feels more relaxing.

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A Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems vehicle hovers midair.

Drones: Sustaining and Enhancing Operations

By Ms. Lauren Fosnot, Staff Writer

In today’s ever-evolving battlefields and mission areas, drones provide a unique capability to free up human resources and access hard-to-reach spaces, enhancing effectiveness and supporting operations in ways other assets cannot.

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Airmen load an engine trailer onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

A Reflection on Safety: Protecting Airmen on the Flightline and in the Warehouse

By Ms. Petra J. Oliver, 727AMS/SE, USAF

The flightline—a realm of roaring engines and precise operations—and the warehouse—a bustling hub of logistics with forklifts and constantly moving pallets and packages—both demand unwavering focus from users and, above all, stringent safety measures.

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Airmen load container delivery systems onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Reducing Flightline Mishaps Through Process Improvement

By 1 Lt Christopher Winters and SMSgt James Lee, U.S. Air Force

Personnel stationed at the 730th Air Mobility Squadron (730 AMS) at Yokota Air Base (AB), Japan, may receive from others a sympathizing nod of approval, a sign of understanding, or implied respect.

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Seal of 731st Air Mobility Squadron, Osan Air Base, South Korea.

Testing Your Limits: Risk Management and the 731 AMS Experience

By MSgt Andrew G. Huntamer, Jr., Air Mobility Command Safety Engineer Officer

The 731st Air Mobility Squadron (731 AMS), stationed at the “Tip of the Spear” at Osan Air Base, South Korea, understands what it means to test—and strengthen—the physical and mental limits of its personnel to make the mission happen.

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Four Airmen sit in chairs filling out paperwork while a female Airman looks on.

Planning Ahead for Safe Flying

By Lt col ERIC WOLF, Chief, AMC Flight Safety Division

Flying safely starts long before you enter the plane. Safety is a lifestyle, a mindset that permeates every aspect of a pilot’s preparation.

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TSgt Emily Knight waits for the next pallet of cargo to be loaded onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

A Day in the Life

By Staff Writer

TSgt Emily Knight, an Instructor Loadmaster with the 130th Airlift Squadron, Charleston Air National Guard Base, Charleston, WV, waits for the next pallet of cargo…

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Gen John D. Lamontagne, Commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, IL

2025 End of Year Message

By Gen John D. Lamontagne, Commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, IL

This year flew by, and it was action packed. Air Mobility Command is indebted to each of you across the Total Force—active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and civilian personnel. With profound gratitude, we reflect upon the past year and all we accomplished together as a team. Being part of this extraordinary organization is a distinct privilege, and we are deeply honored to serve alongside every one of you.

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U.S. Airmen and Australian Air Force personnel load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during TALISMAN SABRE 2025 in Queensland, Australia, July 20, 2025.

Exercise Safety

By Col John B. Kelley, Director of Safety, Air Mobility Command

When you hear the phrase “exercise safety,” what first comes to mind? If you, like many of us, spent last summer participating in Exercise MOBILITY GUARDIAN REFORPAC BAMBOO EAGLE TALISMAN SABRE DENY WEEKEND, your mind may go to the challenges of staying safe during large force exercises. If you somehow escaped the summer exercise fun and are a platinum elite member of the honorable gym rats of the USAF, your first instinct may be lifting, running, or Zumba-ing smartly to prevent injury. For the select few of you who are distinguished members of the long-suffering safety community who spend their days searching for hazards, risks, threats, and the occasional free lunch, the phrase is a reminder to incorporate safety and risk management into day-to-day activities. As Airmen, most of us spend time practicing one or more of these categories, let us explore some of the commonalities.

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Personnel assigned to the 618th Air Operations Center pose for a group photo at Scott Air Force Base, IL, June 12, 2025.

Planning, Posture, Precision: Inside the 618th Air Operations Center

By Ms. Lauren Fosnot, Staff Writer

When Brig Gen Cassius T. Bentley III assumed command of the 618th Air Operations Center (AOC), he brought a clear vision: prioritize Airmen, strengthen Operations, and cultivate a resilient Culture. Now, months later, that vision has taken shape—reflected in new capabilities, stronger integration, and a culture grounded in deliberate leadership.

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Personnel assigned to the 618th Air Operations Center pose for a group photo at Scott Air Force Base, IL, June 12, 2025. The unit earned the Verne Orr Award for outstanding use of human resources in support of the Air Force mission. USAF photo by SSgt Ethan Sherwood

What’s In Your Landing Calculus? ASAP #34781, KC-135 Aircraft Experiences Difficulty Slowing Down on Wet Runway, Stops on Overrun

By the Ops RAMS Team

We recently received an excellent ASAP, which gives us a scenario to explore the question: What’s in your landing calculus? In other words, what are your landing considerations when deciding whether to land or go around?

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Gen John Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command Commander, participates in a KC-46A Pegasus flight simulation at McConnell Air Force Base, KS, Jan. 7, 2025.

Securing Global Reach: AMC’s Commitment to Safety in a Changing Landscape

By Maj Neil Ormerod, AMC/SEF

The U. S. Air Force (USAF) Air Mobility Command (AMC) stands as a critical linchpin in national security and humanitarian response. Its success hinges on a diverse fleet and the exceptional abilities of its aircrews. Today, AMC faces a unique set of challenges: adjustments to the Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program, specifically removing the T-1 Jayhawk and subsequent training path alterations, and the departure of many experienced, combat-proven pilots. While these changes present potential hurdles, AMC remains resolutely focused on maintaining its unparalleled commitment to flight safety and highlighting the proactive and innovative steps the Major Command (MAJCOM) is taking to mitigate risks, ensure continued operational excellence, and safeguard the lives of its Airmen.

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