TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Fifteen Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 73rd Aerial Port Squadron are conducting hands-on, mission-focused training alongside active-duty counterparts from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California, from April 5th through 19th.
The annual tour training provides members of the 73 APS, based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, a chance to apply technical knowledge in a high-tempo environment to prepare them for potential future deployments.
“Out here at Travis, we’re taking the knowledge they learned in tech school and giving them the opportunity to apply it in real life,” said Tech. Sgt. Hayley Bowling, a load planner with the 73 APS. “The goal is to train and deploy combat-ready Airmen. We want them to feel confident in their job and understand how they fit into the broader Air Force mission.”
Each Airman rotates through a variety of sections during the tour, including Air Terminal Operations Center (ATOC), Passenger Services, Cargo Processing, Ramp Services, and Special Handling, to gain a comprehensive understanding of aerial port operations.
The 73 APS team is fully integrated into the 60th APS during the tour, working side-by-side with active-duty Airmen and experienced civilian employees.
“Having the 73rd out here benefits both sides,” said Tech. Sgt. Rachel Snow, a ramp operations supervisor with the 60th APS. “They get hands-on training with our missions, and we get the extra manpower to support day-to-day operations. It’s a win-win.”
The training includes working with real cargo aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III, allowing the Airmen a rare opportunity to conduct live loading and unloading operations—something many don’t regularly experience at home station.
“We’re a fighter wing, so we don’t get a lot of cargo planes coming through,” said Tech. Sgt. Eduardo Alvarado, assistant team chief with the 73 APS. “Here, they gain real-life experience—driving forklifts, handling cargo, getting on the aircraft—it gives them a much clearer picture of what their job actually looks like in a deployment setting.”
According to Alvarado, this type of experience helps them instill both technical confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.
“Confidence is really the biggest thing,” he said. “They come out of this ready to lead, train others, and contribute to the mission.”
The 73rd APS plans multiple annual tours throughout the year to ensure every member receives mission-essential training and maintains readiness. This particular group includes many first-term Airmen preparing for their first potential deployment cycle in 2026.
“I hope they leave with an appreciation for what the aerial port does and where they fit into the big picture,” Bowling said. “Rank doesn’t determine expertise—proficiency does.”
As the Air Force Reserve continues to develop multi-capable Airmen ready to respond anytime, anywhere, opportunities like this one at Travis AFB ensure that training remains relevant, hands-on, and mission-focused.
Airmen assigned to the 73rd Aerial Port Squadron, TSgt Edward Alvarado and AMN Danielle Cook, push a cargo load for transport aboard a C-17 Globemaster III at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 14, 2025. The hands-on training familiarizes Airmen with real-world loading procedures and enhances readiness for future deployment operations.