The Mobility Forum Stories

With no shortage of large-scale, impactful world events to support and rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific to prepare for, it is not surprising that a central theme of the 55th Annual Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) Convention was “Readiness.” However, another theme recurring throughout the keynotes, seminars, and panels was the importance of “Human Connection.”

On the afternoon of Aug. 1, 2023, Airmen at Joint Base (JB) Charleston, SC, jumped into action, responding to an in-flight emergency for a Charleston County Sheriff office’s Bell 407 Rotorcraft, callsign AIR1.

On June 27, 2024, an annual day of awareness recognizes millions of Americans suffering from a serious psychiatric condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD Awareness Day was established in 2010 in tribute to one of our service members, SSgt Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard, who died by suicide after suffering from PTSD following two tours in Iraq. June 27 was Biel’s birthday.

Swimming is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages; however, water safety must be a top priority for both swimmers and those supervising others as they swim. One of the dangers is distracted swimming, whether it be a swimmer or a person supervising a swimmer.

Many people enjoy the excitement of riding motorcycles; however, as David R. Brandt, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager for the Headquarters Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, pointed out, it does not take much to seriously hurt yourself on two wheels. When Brandt came into the seat three years ago, the Air Force had experienced a year of low motorcycle mishap numbers, but according to Brandt, they have seen the number of mishaps increase pretty dramatically since then. “We tend to have this trend that is riders just blatantly disregarding regulatory guidance,” said Brandt, “so our biggest problem is really the [rider’s] attitude when it comes to riding.”

Who does not enjoy going to hear their favorite band in concert, cheering on a home sports team, or watching breathtaking fireworks? Those activities can be fun social experiences, but they also come with some risks. The ringing in your ears that you feel leaving a club or sporting event is an indicator of noise exposure and possible hearing damage. Think about your favorite soothing sound; imagine if you could never hear it again.

Preparation is an important aspect of electrical safety during storms and hurricanes. According to the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/disaster, damage from storms is more likely when people have not prepared for them. Several steps can be taken before, during, and after a storm or hurricane to better ensure safety.

MISHAP-FREE FLYING HOUR MILESTONES

When leaders hear that an aircrew is intentionally noncompliant, what comes to mind? We have standards. Why are they not following them? How do we respond?

An Aerial Port Loader pushes a pallet of humanitarian aid destined for Gaza onto a C-17 Globemaster III at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 21, 2024.