Newly certified loadmasters like Daniel Stone, Brian Mulkey, and Sheldon Cary, all Airmen 1st Class serving in the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Southwest Asia, are learning the intricacies of the job, with help from seasoned loadmasters. Air Force journalist SrA. Erik Hofmeyer reports that “older” loadmasters serve as “flying partners” with the younger airmen as the gain experience in mathematically calculating the correct placement of cargo and passengers on the C-130 tactical airlifter. New loadmasters also learn to perfect the handling of airdrop operations, provide passenger comfort and safety, scan for threats, perform preflight checks of the aircraft to ensure all equipment is working properly, and more. Sometimes the “mentor” loadmasters allow the newcomers to make minor mistakes so they can learn from the mistake.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
