By Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published June 21, 2018
Loadmasters assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron stand in the back of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Aircraft loadmasters are responsible for properly loading, securing, and escorting cargo and passengers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
Loadmasters assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron inspect cargo to be loaded onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Ramstein's loadmasters calculate the center of gravity on the aircraft and arrange cargo by weight to ensure the aircraft remains properly balanced even after adding up to 41,790 pounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hasty, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, directs a forklift operator who is loading a vehicle into a C-130J on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Roller systems throughout the cargo bay floor aid in uploading and offloading cargo, which allows loadmasters to accomplish Ramstein's airlift mission with speed and efficiency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hasty, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, secures a payload on a C-130J on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Ramstein's loadmasters regularly participate in practice aerial deliveries to ensure that when they need to deliver cargo such as food and water for real-world missions, they make no mistakes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
Loadmasters assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron stand in the back of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Because Ramstein's loadmasters are responsible for transporting cargo safely, they are pivotal to making sure locations across Europe and Africa receive food and supplies. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Zapata, center, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, directs a forklift operator loading cargo into a C-130J on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Ramstein's loadmasters are skilled in loading and securing cargo such as vehicles and personnel inside a C-130J. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Zapata, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, secures a vehicle for transport on a C-130J on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Loadmasters calculate proper weight distribution of cargo, ensuring the aircraft is properly balanced so the pilots can fly it safely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vanessa Soriano-Cervantes, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, secures a vehicle for transport and aerial delivery inside a C-130J on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. The 37th AS loadmasters support air drops and deliveries for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. They are the only airlift squadron based in theater for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, granting them a large amount of air time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hasty, left, Senior Airman Vanessa Soriano-Cervantes, middle, and Staff Sgt. Matthew Fry, all 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmasters, secure a low-cost, low-altitude bundle on a C-130J on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. After learning what kind of cargo they are loading, such as hazardous materials, palletized cargo or passengers, Ramstein's loadmasters configure the correct placement and space to balance the aircraft, making them an essential part of Ramstein's airlift mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vanessa Soriano-Cervantes, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, secures cargo for transport inside a C-130J on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 12, 2018. Loadmasters are responsible for ensuring that all cargo and personnel arrive safely at their destinations, making them a key player in Ramstein's airlift mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vanessa Soriano-Cervantes, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, prepares a low-cost, low-altitude bundle for air drop over an airfield in Germany, June 12, 2018. Air drops can consist of tanks, helicopters, food and medical supplies, making 37th AS loadmasters a key to supporting missions in deployed locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vanessa Soriano-Cervantes, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster, waits for permission from the flight commander to release cargo over an airfield in Germany, June 12, 2018. Ramstein's loadmasters practice air drops regularly to ensure they are able to deliver essential cargo such as water and food to deployed locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)