ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Behind the roar of fighter jets and transport aircraft lies a crucial element of military readiness and airpower logistics.
The 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron Ground Transportation Flight, located at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, ensures warfighters have the vehicles and support needed to carry out missions, both at home and abroad, most notably during times of national and international crises.
From forklifts and tractor trailers to buses and specialized equipment, the 78th LRS manages a diverse fleet of vehicles essential for both daily base operations and rapid deployments.
"Most people think of us as just bus drivers," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Clark, 78th LRS noncommissioned officer in charge. "But if ground transportation were ever to take a day off, you'd see a lot of mission stoppage around base. Everybody eventually needs us."
The Airmen of the 78th LRS are consistently trained to operate and maintain every vehicle in their fleet, undergoing rigorous training that includes airfield driving and obtaining commercial driver's licenses. They are also responsible for vehicle licensing for the entire base, ensuring compliance and safety. This daily obligation to readiness ensures that the 78th LRS can respond to a wide range of requests, from transporting aircrews and cargo to supporting emergency operations and disaster relief efforts.
The squadron's reach extends far beyond the gates of Robins AFB. They regularly transport cargo across the country, often on tight timelines, with two-man teams driving tractor trailers for thousands of miles to deliver critical supplies. Their efforts provided a much-needed lifeline and were instrumental in supporting other bases impacted by Hurricane Helene in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida in 2024.
When deployed or faced with austere environments, the 78th LRS shifts its mission to a more practical doctrine. Employing a tactical mindset and defensive positioning becomes crucial for transporting personnel and resources. The Airmen also ensure that the Air Force can maintain battlefield operations and access to otherwise inaccessible areas.
"We can be called anytime to support any logistics mission," said Clark. "A lot of times we'll be the first in and the last out. It can be anything from long-distance cargo hauls to supporting the designated emergency operations center with natural disaster response.”
This commitment extends to international deployments as well, with Airmen regularly deploying to locations like U.S. Africa Command to provide critical ground transportation support.
"Our temporary duty assignments are often to locations that are already established," said Clark. "But if we were to go somewhere like an agile combat employment mission, we would have to coordinate with different sites, whether it be an international airport or a landing strip, to set up support in that region."
Coordinating with multiple agencies, both within the military and with civilian organizations, is a significant part of the 78th LRS's mission. They work closely with units like the 461st Air Control Wing, the 116th Air Control Wing and civilian and nongovernmental organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency during disaster relief efforts.
"Oftentimes, we're the last in line when it comes to the coordination," said Clark, highlighting the challenges of working within a complex logistical web. "It's a lot of juggling priorities and making sure everyone is on the same page."
Despite the challenges, the 78th LRS maintains a robust and energetic approach to their ability to overcome unique obstacles in providing unwavering support.
"We're a very prideful unit," said Clark. "And that's really gotten us far in meeting our goals and completing the mission. Pride is a huge part of our success."
The squadron's commitment to excellence is evident in their dedication to training, their meticulous attention to detail, and their unwavering focus on warfighter support, ensuring that the wheels keep turning, no matter what the challenge.
"We're part of a great legacy of ground transportation Airmen who have been outside the wire and have faced real danger,” Clark said. “We're ready for anything thrown at us."
Clark went on to reference some of those inherent dangers operators face downrange. While serving with the last group of ‘ir Force Combat Truckers’ during Operation New Dawn in 2011, Clark’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device with one month left before the withdraw of Iraq.
The experience left an indelible mark on Clark, who instills a mindset of vigilance daily to newly designated Airmen who may be called at any moment to take up the fight while carrying out their assigned duties.
“Whether we’re here or overseas, whenever duty calls, we must always maintain our situational awareness,” said Clark before paraphrasing the logistics motto, made famous by U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing, “Infantry may win battles, but logistics wins wars.”