Surge becomes the norm Published June 5, 2006 By Senior Airman Stacia Zachary Staff writer Increase in flying hours preps crews for missions -- In recent weeks, C-130 Hercules crews of the 2nd and 41st Airlift Squadrons have revamped training requirements including tacking on more flying hours. With a continuous deployment schedule, air crews need a more stable training schedule to help keep proficiencies and currencies up to date. “A long range flying schedule was made to maximize our planes and create more training opportunities for our aircrews,” said Maj. Charlie Bolton, 41st AS assistant operations officer. “We now fly approximately 28 airdrop and 15 pilot proficiencies.” In the long run, this increase in training will help all of the aircrews complete all Air Force flying requirements and be more proficient for mission success. When the 2nd AS returns, it will continue the same flying schedule as the 41st AS, said the major. “Don’t think of this as simply a surge in normal operations,” said Col. Gerald Szpila, 43rd Operations Group commander. “Instead, this is our new way of doing business.” In the past, deployments had cut into training so much that continuing an optimum level of proficient aircrews was challenging. “The best part about this is that (the new flying schedule) gives us additional events to now build proficiency back into our regime,” said Major Bolton. This particular surge in sorties is the largest and longest sustained airdrop training in more than three years. “The 41st AS, 3rd APS, Joint Airlift Inspectors and operations schedulers all came together to ensure this new training method is a success,” said Lt. Col. John Pepin. “Everyone pulled together for the benefit of the mission and all on very short notice.” The 3rd Aerial Port Squadron is responsible for helping simulate air drop scenarios for the aircrews participating in the new training schedule. “The 3rd APS provides the equipment that we drop,” said Major Bolton. “We asked them to find a way to provide actual loads on every airdrop we fly. By reworking the schedule between their riggers and drop zone recovery teams, they we able to turn more loads.” The surge in flying operations has benefited the 3rd APS by providing new training experiences for new and old Airmen alike. “This surge has allowed our experienced and newly qualified riggers additional on-the-job training necessary to improve their rigging skills,” said Colonel Pepin. The 41st AS and the 3rd APS continually work together to ensure mission success. Whether it is at the home station training for real-world scenarios or performing the mission in support the Global War on Terror or humanitarian support, the pair share a unique bond. “By providing additional training loads, (3rd APS) help ensure the 41st AS war fighters are fully qualified to perform their mission and to meet the needs of our commanders,” said Colonel Pepin. “In any theater, our job is to perform the mission successfully — training and at war.”