2nd LRS: Nothing but the best

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Whereas some career fields are specific to a handful of locations, having 15 different Air Force Specialty Codes, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron validates their slogan "LRS: Nothing but the Best" by supporting military operations around the globe.

The 2nd LRS encompasses responsibilities to include supplying parts for and refueling aircraft, transporting personnel, processing and shipping cargo and maintaining vehicles. 

"The LRS footprint is big and without all the jobs combined, the BUFF doesn't fly," said Tech. Sgt. Randy Moorhouse, 2nd LRS unit deployment manager. "Without us, pilots are pedestrians; they would have to walk to the aircraft on the flightline, and the aircraft won't get in the air without fuel."

The LRS mission is critical when considering they deploy personnel to numerous locations worldwide.

"Having assets during wartime is an integral part of winning the fight," said Staff Sgt. Robert Baker, 2nd LRS personal property assistant NCO in charge, who is preparing for his second deployment.

"While I was deployed I delivered essential parts to the aircraft, enabling its crew to get downrange and deliver their payload to various troops," said Moorhouse. "This experience showed me how our job is an important part of the mission."

Although over half of the squadron will be deploying, the Barksdale mission cannot be affected. 

"It's going to require a lot of guys stepping up, but they know it's worth it because they have their brothers and sisters working just as hard downrange," said Moorhouse.

While it isn't an official part of their checklist, 2nd LRS Airmen and families took part in a squadron pre-deployment briefing.

"We used the briefing to link family members with squadron leadership and key spouses," said Senior Master Sgt. Chad Kraus, 2nd LRS first sergeant. "Airmen were reminded about operations security as well as the resources available to them and their families, such as the chaplains, Airman and Family Readiness Center and mental health."

Informing the families about the resources available exposed the spouses to various activities accessible while their loved ones are gone.

"When my spouse attended the briefing, she was able to put faces to the names," said Baker. "Seeing the commander and the Key Spouse Group events and what they offer helped her realize there is a great support system available."

Following the briefing, the LRS commander explained Airmen have a great purpose while deployed and offered advice.

"We have the opportunity to bring our culture to deployed locations as a major combat logistics force provider for United States Air Forces Central Command," said Lt. Col. James Gherdovich. "Barksdale's logistics forces will leave a mark, raise the bar and prepare the battlefield for future rotations."