Navy/AMC Air Terminal Norfolk, taking transportation to new heights

NORFOLK

The Navy / Air Mobility Command (AMC) Air Terminal – is one of 11 Navy Operated Aerial Ports worldwide, and an Air Component of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) which provides Global Strategic Airlift to the Department of Defense (DoD).

Most commonly when anyone hears Air Terminal, they always associate it with passengers, international travel and baggage checks. Though the AMC Air Terminal has a well operating Passenger (PAX) department, it is only one of the many layers within this intricate system.

The AMC is not only responsible for transporting military personnel and their dependents, but also transfers a hefty amount of ordnance, mail, and high priority cargo throughout the world with the help of aeronautics.

Norfolk being the largest Navy operated air terminal, requires a lot to maintain a smooth running facility.

“I probably have the finest crew in AMC. We have a team of highly skilled professionals consisting of roughly 200 civilians, 80 to 100 military, and 35 contractors,” Cmdr. Ronald Kish stated as he shared the diversity of his staff. “They work through the operations, many of them having prior military service and they genuinely like what they do.”

One of the largest departments that helps maintain a flowing system is the Freight department. With the support of Electronic Transfer Vehicles, they’re capable of transporting cargo to the designated transportation vehicles, ensuring high priority parts are expedited to DoD members who’ve requested them and loading/offloading passenger baggage for airlift. All the employees in this department are given training and certification in operating, as well as inspecting, 54 pieces of Material Handling Equipment (MHE), Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Specialized/General Purpose Vehicles.

With the constant buzz, things can get pretty congested out on the airfield. The Transient Line (T-Line) is there to ensure that the airfield is open and ready to go for incoming and departing flights. With 12 civilians and 15 military personnel, they all work together to maintain a functioning workload. The T-Line has ‘follow me’ cars that, as their name suggests, are vehicles that guide the planes around the airfield, especially since many of the planes that land are contracted commercial planes. They’re also the proud owners of the only deicing vehicles on base and have no issue lending a hand during icy situations.

“We’re good neighbors. We don’t want to over extend our welcome, but at the same time, we also want everyone to know that we’re part of the team and willing to help out.” James McDonald, Air Terminal Manager of AMC, expresses humbly.

Another noteworthy department that keeps the ball rolling is the Transportation Management Support (TMS) department. This behind-the-scenes division is overall responsible for the administration portion of the facility where they’re managing data, arranging surface transportations, calculating funding documentations and dealing with the movements of shipments.

“We have a full maintenance department. We, in house, maintain all the equipment,” CDR Ronald Kish states proudly. Usually many facilities bring in people from an outside source to upkeep they’re equipment, but with the AMC’s impressive Maintenance department, they manage to maintain all 159 of their vehicles and MHE.

Though with such a busy establishment, there’s no time for server resets or constant pauses in connectivity due to network patches. Luckily for the AMC Air Terminal, they don’t have to worry about that since they have their own domain. The Information Technology (IT) Department ensures the servers function properly.

The central nerve center of AMC is the Air Terminal Operations Center (ATOC) department. They not only have a magnificent view of the airfield, but they also oversee all the Aerial Port operations. ATOC is also familiar with the terminal’s schedule as well as assisting with CBP paperwork, conduct verbal reports of ramp status and commencement of aircraft services. With being the central nerve, they ensure that all work centers accomplish mission related tasks in a safe and timely manner.

Due to their outstanding performance and management, the AMC has been presented awards over the years to ensure their hard work was recognized. They’ve received the Air Mobility Command AMC Navy-Operated Air Terminal of the Year, Military Traffic Management Command Award for Excellence in Traffic Management in 2000, and the Air Force Reserve Center Training Partnership Award. Their goal of On-Time/On-Target/Delivery is seen every day.