Deploying Airmen count on logistics readiness team Published Dec. 2, 2009 By Senior Airman David Salanitri Keesler Public Affairs KEESLER AFB, MS -- Every day, Airmen from Team Keesler have to be able to rapidly deploy and take the fight to the enemy, but this also means that every day, Airmen have to be able to quickly and efficiently get the equipment and training that will allow for them to effectively deploy. With about 4,000 active-duty permanent party Airman on Keesler, it's the job of the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron to make sure the installation has the means to rapidly deploy all Airmen forward. The installation deployment readiness cell is responsible for all Keesler deployment actions to include ensuring that all deploying members and equipment are fully capable of performing their deployed missions. "The IDRC has deployed 800 personnel and more than 70 tons of cargo to the many areas of responsibility throughout the world this year alone," according to Master Sgt. Kevin Benjaman, 81st LRS operations and compliance section chief. To compliment the IDRC, every Airman is assigned a unit deployment manager to keep the Airman on task with his or her specific pre-deployment requirements. Each UDM is responsible for 115-120 Airmen at all times. "UDMs provide mission-ready war fighters to combatant commanders in support of global contingencies," said Master Sgt. Wilbert Collier. "The UDM makes sure their Airmen remain highly qualified at all times for the unit, wing and Air Force to meet highly-demanding mission requirements." The 81st LRS traffic management flight's mission is to provide both passenger travel services and coordinate movement of vehicles being shipped to the AOR. "Every Airman and every vehicle that leaves Keesler gets its travel arrangements from our traffic management office," said Sergeant Benjaman. "The 81st LRS stands ready to provide unparalleled logistics support to the war fighter, both at home and abroad, while continuously preparing for tomorrow's mission," concluded Sergeant Benjaman.