81st Aerial Port Sq

• Formation and Mission: The 81st Aerial Port Squadron (81 APS) was first activated in 1952 as a reserve unit, tasked with providing rapid air cargo and passenger movement support for U.S. Air Force operations. • Strategic Airlift Expertise: The squadron specializes in aerial port operations, including loading and unloading of cargo and passengers, rigging for airdrop, and managing air freight terminals. • Critical Role in Desert Storm: Members of the 81st APS were deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth movement of supplies and personnel to the Middle East. • Humanitarian Missions: The unit has participated in numerous humanitarian relief missions, such as providing logistical support after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Haiti earthquake in 2010. • Home Station: The 81st APS is based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, serving as a key aerial port hub for the Reserve and active duty Air Force. • Joint Operations: The squadron frequently works alongside other military branches and allied nations, supporting joint and coalition airlift and logistical operations worldwide. • Air Mobility Command Support: As an Air Force Reserve squadron, the 81st APS augments the Air Mobility Command (AMC) during times of war, national emergency, or peacetime exercises. • Recognition and Awards: The unit has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for exceptional service, performance, and mission accomplishment. • Innovation in Logistics: The squadron has been at the forefront of adopting new cargo-handling technologies, such as improved pallet systems and real-time tracking of shipments. • Dedication to Training: The 81st APS is known for its rigorous training programs, ensuring its members are proficient in aerial port operations and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice anywhere in the world.