Air Force "truckers" convoy critical supplies to Iraq bases

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  To calm his nerves and focus on his mission, Senior Airman Lucas Simpliciano, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator, would place a photo of his 3-month-old daughter above the windshield of his armored vehicle prior to every convoy roll out onto the main supply route leading to Baghdad.

The life of a deployed Vehicle Operations Airman is spent preparing for or going "outside the wire," in convoys, bringing much needed supplies to the large and small bases throughout Iraq.

It's a common misconception that base bus drivers and vehicle dispatchers perform the same role in the deployed environment, according to Senior Airman Jessica Baudier, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The exact opposite is true. They switch gears and become "combat truckers" driving 'to,' 'through' and 'away from' the warzone.

Deploying vehicle operators fill multiple roles in convoy operations like convoy and truck commander, loadmaster, foreign national liaison, pace setter, radio/telephone operator and, until recently, turret gunner. With the exception of driving, none of the roles they fill are constantly trained for at their home station.

Therefore, the six-week deployment training at Camp Bullis in San Antonio, is a critical step to preparing these Airmen for war readiness.

"The training we go through is very close to the day-to-day operations of a convoy crew," said Staff Sgt. Jacob Sutton, a nine-year veteran and four-time deployer with the 96 LRS. "We're constantly using the lingo and procedures, life-saving techniques, learning (improvised explosive device) identification and 5-25-200 (millimeter scans)."

The training allows Airmen to familiarize themselves with distinct positions and equipment within the convoy and the responsibilities involved. The training acts a refresher to prior deployers, while first-time "truckers" are inundated with new tactics, techniques and procedures.

"It benefits the new guys because instead of spending five hours in the classroom, we can show them and explain what they need to do," said Sergeant Sutton, who due to his experience operates as a team leader.

Around 150 Airmen go through the training and will eventually meet back up together again at their deployed location where they put the instruction into application.

When a warning order for a new mission is given, the convoy crews get their vehicles ready and in place. The load up and preparation process typically takes three days. Everyone involved with the convoy converges for a briefing prior to rolling out.
Then, the convoy moves out bringing critical supplies like food, water, equipment, and ammo to locations unknown. Anywhere between 35 and 45 humvees, military and contracted tractor trailers can make up the convoy.

"Your first mission when you have to be awake and alert for close to 23 hours is rough," said Senior Airman Michelle Wamsley,96 LRS vehicle operator and five-year veteran. "I was so nervous, I broke out in hives."

It's up to the convoy commander to ensure the Airmen are focused ready.

"We're constantly communicating with the vehicles to make sure everyone is all good," said Tech. Sgt. Alvin Santos, two-time deployer and former foreign national liaison as well as truck commander. "It's all about staying alert the entire time despite the trip. We can't be complacent because anything can happen. We always have to be thinking what can happen, resort to our training and stay vigilant."

Many of Eglin's combat truckers have been there when things happen.

In 2004, Sergeant Sutton's gun truck was hit by an IED. The then-20-year-old Airman sustained second degree burns on his left hand and arm and heavy bruising, but helped his injured truck commander who'd been thrown from the vehicle and seriously injured. He also attempted to extract his friend, Airman 1st Class Carl Anderson, the driver of the vehicle who died in the explosion. Several attempts were made to extract Airman Anderson's body by Sergeant Sutton and other NCOs, but they were ordered to cease their recovery efforts due to the fire and threat of "cooked" ammunition.

The combat trucking didn't get easier in 2005. Sergeant Santos recalled small arms fire, IEDs and bullet holes in the vehicles were normal ops.

"I remember seeing tracer rounds coming through the vehicle and just driving right through," said the 15-year veteran with 96 LRS who's tasked to deploy again this summer. "It had gotten better in 2009, but we still saw some small arms fire. We're seeing a lot of changes for the better over there though."

Hearing the horror stories, it was apparent the stresses and pressures of combat trucking were extreme to say the least, but the consensus among Eglin's operators was there's a sense of accomplishment upon "delivering the goods" to those in need.

"Those FOBs are depending on us, they can't carry out their mission without a convoy delivery," said Sergeant Sutton. "Many of the places we went, aircraft can't get in there."

Almost a dozen Airmen from vehicle ops are scheduled to deploy this summer, many of them first-time truckers. They admitted to being nervous and have heard all the stories, but also know its part of the job.

"What makes it easier (to do our job) is thinking about who and what you're doing it for - all the people back here," said Airman Baudier.

More than 50 medals have been awarded to Eglin's combat truckers throughout the current Middle East conflicts.