SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Illinois — Exploding into theater was a goal during Mobility Guardian 23 and continues to be a major area of focus across Air Mobility Command. “Much like a defensive lineman trying to get after the quarterback, we need to be ready to be ready when the play starts,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander.
The Global Air Mobility Support System, one of AMC’s four core mission sets, enables the exploding. This system gives commanders tailorable options, providing flexibility to expand or contract the system depending on the mission and situation.
GAMSS Airmen make up one of the first Air Force teams on the ground at a location. “We are a network of forward stationed, responsive, multi-capable mobility Airmen that allow you to get your assets where you need them, when you need them,” said SMSgt Cory Slater, Operations Superintendent at the 730th Air Mobility Squadron, Yokota Air Base.
Established in 2013, and falling under the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, GAMSS is a world-wide network of Airmen made up of Contingency Response units (CR), Air Mobility Operation Wings (AMOWs), Air Mobility Liaison Officers (AMLOs)/Expeditionary Air Ground Liaison Elements (EAGLEs), and Mobility Air Advisors.
CR units establish airfields and aerial ports in remote locations. Forward-located AMOWs keep supplies, personnel and equipment moving through theater via permanently assigned Air Mobility Squadrons and deployable Air Mobility Teams. AMLOs/EAGLEs work with Joint partners to ensure that supplies and equipment reach the end user, while Mobility Air Advisors work with partner nations to ensure the seamless integration of coalition and U.S. forces. Together, these four pieces keep the logistical lifeline alive.
“GAMSS allows AMC to sustain combat power with insane global reach. In the Pacific, things are spread out. GAMSS enables AMC to move about this immense area of responsibility with the flexibility needed for today’s fight,” said Slater.
GAMSS options range in size, depending on the needs of a commander. AMLOs and Mobility Air Advisors are individual logistical experts, while CR squadrons and AMOWs have hundreds of Airmen. MG23 saw these teams in action, supporting the Joint Force, Allies and partners.
“GAMSS was used during MG23 to open locations that previously didn’t have an Air Force presence to enable the flow of aircraft and equipment, to catch follow on forces, and provide aircraft and logistical support to Joint and Allied partners across the Indo-Pacific,” said Maj. Eddie Benningfield, Chief of Combat Support Doctrine and Lessons Learned at the EC. “Day-to-day this included cargo handling for the Marines operating in the region, integration with the Royal Australian Air Force to support both U.S. and other coalition aircraft, and training partnerships with multiple nations including the Japanese.”
GAMSS remains crucial to sustaining the Air Force, Joint Force, Allies and partners against any challenge.
“Our toys are meaningless unless we put them in a place to be lethal. Our toys, our training and our desires are meaningless unless we maneuver them to advantage,” Minihan said. If we can’t get them to where they need to be to do that, then we are wasting our time.”
