Air Mobility Command Director of Operations visits Youngstown Published Aug. 18, 2014 By Eric M. White 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Maj. Gen. Scott M. Hanson, Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, visited Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS) Aug. 14-15. Hanson visited YARS to become more familiar with the 910th Airlift Wing's special aerial spray mission and see how Air Mobility Command can help the 910th and Air Force Reserve Command with their roles in bringing this mission to the Department of Defense (DoD). YARS is home to the Dod's only large-area, fixed-wing aerial spray capability. The mission exists to control disease-carrying insects, pest insects and undesirable vegetation and disperse oil spills in large bodies of water. Aerial spray missions may be executed in combat areas, on DoD installations or in response to disasters or emergencies as declared by the President of the United States. Lt. Col. John Kochansky, chief of aerial spray, led a group of aerial spray experts from the 757th Airlift Squadron here in briefing the general on aerial spray capabilities and challenges. Senior Master Sgt. Phil Aliberti, aerial spray maintenance flight chief, showed the general one of the 910th's Modular Aerial Spray Systems (MASS). The system consists of large tanks, a pump system, a control module and spray booms with nozzles that can be customized for different applications. There are only six such systems in the world; their maintenance requires unique knowledge and skillsets. "I was very impressed with the unique equipment," said Hanson. "I can tell very quickly the level of professionalism with which these Airmen carry out their responsibilities." Hanson also flew on an aerial spray orientation flight. Aerial spray maintainers loaded the MASS onto one of the 910th's specially customized C-130H Hercules aircraft. An aircrew with unique aerial spray flight training demonstrated their capabilities over Camp Ravenna, Ohio, a joint military training center. The aircraft made several low-altitude aerial spray passes. "The flight experience was very educational," said Hanson. "I got to see firsthand and appreciate the crew coordination that is critical to this mission, particularly at such low levels. The crew was very impressive and worked together as a team." The general also commented on the 757th Airlift Squadron's ability to carry out this special mission, even with nearly half of the squadron deployed. "You have Airmen carrying out this unique, special aerial spray mission, but you also have Airmen in harm's way right now," said Hanson. "But that's just what they sign up to do. The commitment to service is apparent." Hanson departed Youngstown Friday afternoon and will take his findings back to Air Mobility Command Commander, Gen. Darren W. McDew.