Constant training makes for consistent success Published April 14, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Amy Abbott 452nd AMW PA MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Always vigilant and ever prepared is the Air Force way. Staying in tune to this philosophy, March Air Reserve Base is holding a two-week training course ending today on operational procedures for our Tunner 60K loaders, a piece of equipment exclusive to the military. The Tunner 60K, named after former Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, the late Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner, is a multi-functional loader that combines the effectiveness of its predecessors, the 40K loaders, with that of wide-body elevator loaders. "Its basic job function is to load and unload cargo from all types of aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. David Smith, a materiel handling equipment instructor with the 345th Training Squadron, Lackland AFB. "There is no commercial equivalent." The strategy of the Tunner, according to Air Mobility Command, is "to provide rapid deployment and sustainment of U.S. security interests, humanitarian operations and disaster relief missions." It can handle up to six cargo pallets and as much as 60,000 pounds. It also can vary in deck height from 39 inches to 18.5 feet. That makes it a vital piece of equipment for those at March, due to the constant operations in support of deploying the I Marine Expeditionary Force and other troops to ongoing exercises around the world. "Our number one mission here is to support the I MEF. The Tunner 60K enhances our capabilities," said Darrell Parobek, the Vehicle Maintenance and Operations Manager here. "This training allows us to properly maintain our loaders. If you have an air cargo mission, it's a requirement to be trained on this vehicle." March took the lead on scheduling the special purpose mechanic training, and Sergeant Smith came from the Vehicle Maintenance Schoolhouse in Port Hueneme to teach it. "This is an advanced course and the students get a little bit more. They are obtaining the basic knowledge of not only how to operate this vehicle, but also how to repair it," explained Sergeant Smith. "This is pretty high tech and the training lets them get out here and get their hands dirty." The two-week course covers everything from fundamentals to steering to learning the actual hydraulic and electrical schematics. When the students, who consist of two contractors and three reservists, complete the course, they will be certified not only to operate but also conduct repairs on the loader. "What I took from this course was an in-depth knowledge of the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems on this machine," said Tech Sgt. Chan Sivon, 452nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. "For someone who doesn't have constant exposure to these types of machines in the Air Force inventories, any type of specialized training the base offers is definitely a benefit." Overall, the loaders, which cost $1.7 million each, will ensure March ARB and the Air Force fly through the 21st century fully functioning and completely capable of accomplishing whatever missions they are tasked. And not only will our equipment be up to par, our troops will be too.