This is Robins: Ground Transportation Unit keeps Robins Air Force Base moving

WARNER ROBINS — The Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Ground Transportation Unit at Robins Air Force Base plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth movement of personnel, dignitaries, and essential equipment to support base operations.

TSgt. Alexander Stewart, the officer in charge, said the unit receives transportation requests from various departments. He oversees around 20 personnel who provide support to the base.

Senior Airman Jason Conner works for the unit’s writing and licensing department and describes the unit as the base’s truck drivers.

“The main thing we do is move bags of cargo, but we drive big rigs, heavy trucks or busses, and we move people around the base, or the world, in general,” Conner said.

Stewart described working for ground transportation as interesting. In contrast to groups who primarily work on the flight line, operators at Robins have the chance to travel the country, he said.

“You get to meet a lot of different faces, but you also get to go a lot of different places. I don’t think I have seen my dad, who was previously in the military, go to as many places as I have, especially here at Robins,” Stewart said. “ A lot of people always want to go [temporary duty] to different locations, and Robins just happens to be that spot that can facilitate that.”

Recently, the unit supported the president’s trip to Fort Bragg by providing a starcase truck. Another temporary duty brought aircraft pods from Chicago.

Meanwhile, back on base, a typical day starts with a debrief on transportation requests, followed by maintenance on the unit’s 61-vehicle fleet. Stewart said that with the requests, the best solutions are often unique.

“There are times that we have to not necessarily improvise, but we have to think outside the box to accomplish certain missions. When we were uploading a staircase truck, we had to figure out what kind of shoring was required to get that staircase truck onto a piece of equipment that was a little bit taller, so we didn’t damage anything,” Stewart said.

Working with the unit means you have to be versatile, according to Stewart. One mission could involve aircraft fueling, delivering parts to traffic management, or assisting on the flight line.

“We’re considered the experts in in all things vehicles. Then there’s other places where we’re the experts of all things flight line. [We’re] adaptable in every capacity but the silent hand that helps the LRS run,” Stewart said.

Conner added that a positive attitude will help tremendously.

“It’s not the most complicated job in the world, but if you have a negative attitude, it definitely reflects on how people see you and how you complete the mission,” Conner said.

To Conner, the ground transportation unit feels like home.

“These are people I’ve grown my entire Air Force career with,” Conner said. “They’re close enough that I know I can rely on them.”