Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. -- As a KC-130 Hercules flies through the air on a re-supply mission, a cargo load rests on the open ramp awaiting extraction. When the aircraft reaches the designated drop zone, the extraction chute yanks the load from the ramp just as a magician would pull a tablecloth from a table without disturbing the dish placement.

With the importance of re-supplying missions and other tasks a KC-130 unit would face, the loadmaster’s role is vital.

According to Cpl. J. P. Humphrey, loadmaster, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the loadmaster is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is configured for the mission, all equipment and supplies are properly secured as well as the overall safety of the passengers.

Aerial deliveries are also a critical task performed by the Hercules.
An aerial delivery re-supplies Marines on the ground with needed supplies and equipment ranging from ammunition to vehicles.

When a re-supply is needed, air delivery specialists rig the equipment on a palette.

These Marines, also referred to as parachute riggers, attach a cargo chute and an extraction chute to the load. When the load is placed on the aircraft it becomes the loadmaster’s responsibility. They’re responsible for ensuring all equipment is secured because if it is not, it can jeopardize the safety of the passengers and overall mission accomplishment.

“It is important that vehicles and other cargo aboard the aircraft are secure,” said Cpl. Nick E. Sellman, loadmaster,VMGR-352. “If a vehicle came loose while troops were aboard, it could roll around and injure someone or damage the aircraft.”

Loadmasters also act as observers for the pilots and communicate dangers such as incoming enemy ground fire or air traffic.

“We’re basically an extra set of eyes for the pilots,” said Sellman, a 22-year-old Litchfield, Maine native. “We observe anything from mid-air refueling to enemy ground fire.”

“They act as observers in the air and warn pilots of threats or changing environments,” said Capt. Patrick F. Tiernan, aircrew training officer, VMGR-352.

A loadmaster’s role during a mid-air refueling is to track fuel offloads because the squadron pays for the fuel. They need to know how much they gave away and to whom so they can be reimbursed.

According to Humphrey, loadmasters are also responsible for tracking the amount of cargo being transported.

Many loadmasters say they love the excitement and responsibilities of their job.

“You get to see all aspects of the Marine Corps,” said Humphrey. “It’s a cargo plane and I’m the loadmaster. To me, this is the best job in the Marine Corps.”