Patricia N. Thurston
3400 Stevenson Blvd, Apt i-24 • Fremont, CA 94538
Patricia.N.Thurston@gmail.com • 301-648-6846
Logistics Management/Air Traffic Control
Highly experienced logistics manager / air traffic professional with proven success orchestrating efficient, compliant, and secure movement of cargo and aircraft.
— Key Qualifications —
● Keen awareness of logistics management, including emergency and environmental factors, more than six years of combined experience planning and executing efficient and safe movement of cargo and aircraft to meet timing goals.
● Repeated accomplishment orchestrating logistics/aerial port operations on military and civilian airfields, seamlessly adapting to regulatory changes, safety requirements, and security standards.
● Exceptional interpersonal communication talents leveraged to sustain functional rapport with clients, airline, vendor, and oversight-agency teams. Outstanding ability to build and sustain relationships with external agencies and departments, including military, governmental, and private-sector groups to align operations.
● Familiar with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations (7110.65), Automated Radar Terminal Systems (ARTS), En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM), Lotus Notes, as well as Microsoft Office and Mac OS X.
Professional Experience
Federal Aviation Administration – Fremont, CA
Air Traffic Control Specialist (Developmental), 4/2016 to Present
Provides a safe, expeditious and regulatory compliant air traffic control service to aircraft at all times using complex radar tracking and radio communication equipment to give advice, information and control instructions to civilian and military pilots. Ensures the safe and efficient operation of airspace in accordance with all legal requirements and international legislation. Makes crucial time sensitive decisions and judgments based on analytical data in a busy work environment. Coordinates effective and safe movement of air traffic with adjacent facility and intrafacility personnel. Provides friendly and safe service to foreign and domestic pilots across the National Air System (NAS).
Selected Contributions:
● Successfully completed the Lab Based training for the D (Associate) and Radar positions.
● Obtained three key certifications in the Pacific South Area. (D14/35, R35)
Fluor Government Group – Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan
Movement Control Manager/Ramp Services Manager, 3/2015 to 3/2016
Manages Movement Control/ Ramp Service operations and personnel in war zone in a contingency environment. Manages, oversees, and helps facilitate work activities of Movement Control/Ramp Service personnel responsible for the preparation, staging, and movement of Department Of Defense (DoD) cargo/assets via military and commercial aircraft. Oversees the planning and organizing of air transportation operations, including efficient utilization of staff, facility, and equipment resources to achieve defined objectives. Determines and implements safety and security precautions for handling and storing dangerous materials, special cargos, mail, and baggage. Establishes training guidelines and manages the training of personnel. Oversees the direction and performance of logistics operations through planning and executing actions for specified missions and other designated program. Prepares and maintains air movement records and reports. Monitors the flow of classified logistics information and inventory using Web-based logistics information systems. Utilizes computer integrated systems to provide In-transit visibility for cargo and passenger movement operations. Responsible for monitoring both inbound and outbound flights in the theatre. Collaborates with other aerial port sections to integrate logistics with business systems. Leads functional planning, operational execution, compliance, and mission support services. Ensures that company databases and records are properly updated to reflect personnel movement and required tracking information. Evaluates existing practices; initiates and/or recommends improvements. Completes all administrative requirements and performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed. Ensures that operations are conducted in accordance with corporate and military safe work practices. Ensures personnel are compliant within military and company policies and regulations.
Selected Contributions:
● Implemented training program to train civilian contracting personnel in all required core training tasks per Air Mobility Command 4th Air Force rubrics.
● Established Safe Work practices and monitoring procedures to reduce the amount of safety incidents or mishaps.
United States Air Force Reserve (Activated Reservist) – Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan
Logistics/Ramp Services Supervisor, 9/2014 to 1/2015
Supervises, manages, and helps facilitate work activities of Ramp Service personnel engaged in the preparation, staging, and movement of Department Of Defense (DoD) cargo/assets via military and commercial aircraft. Plan and organize air transportation operations, including efficient utilization of staff, facility, and equipment resources to achieve defined objectives. Determines and implements safety and security precautions for handling and storing dangerous materials, special cargos, mail, and baggage. Analyzes aircraft weight and balance loading instructions. Responsible for establishing training guidelines and training personnel. Directs and performs logistics operations through planning and executing actions for specified missions and other designated program. Prepares and maintains air movement records and reports. Monitors the flow of classified logistics information and inventory using Web-based logistics information systems. Utilizes computer integrated systems to provide In-transit visibility for cargo and passenger movement operations. Responsible for monitoring both inbound and outbound flights in the theatre. Collaborates with other aerial port sections to integrate logistics with business systems. Supports the security and operations in the processing area, including transportation, to and from aircraft, loading and unloading cargo and personnel aboard different military aircrafts. Reviews, plans, and executes load planning missions and classified information
Performs accurate detail oriented data entry and communicates program information accurately and professionally to management and clients. Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective aircraft loading/unloading procedures per Air Mobility Command (AMC) regulations.
Selected Contributions:
● Efficiently managed and directed 32 Ramp Services personnel at the DoD’s Busiest Aerial Port averaging the movement of 535 short tons daily. Directly contributed to the DoDs mandate of troop draw down in Afghanistan and the closing of four bases.
● Monitored and conducted all required core training tasks per Air Mobility Command 4th Air Force rubrics for military and civilian contracting personnel.
● Demonstrated tireless work ethic and exceptional enthusiasm for organizational goals.
United States Air Force Reserve: 46th Aerial Port Squadron – Dover, DE
Air Transportation Craftsman, 7/2008 to Present
Holds responsibility for planning and organizing air transportation operations, including effective and efficient utilization of available resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities required to achieve defined objectives. Assesses and selects ramp services, calculate and prepare aircraft load distribution, and supervise use of materials handling equipment and cargo loading / unloading operations. Reviews passenger travel authorizations for validity/accuracy. Provides quality customer service for all DoD passengers, military personnel and dependents travelling through Air Force terminals as a PAX terminal representative. Maintains mission readiness by attending monthly unit training assemblies and volunteered for extra duties and extra certification classes; all in preparation for mobilization
Selected Contributions:
● Volunteered to deploy to Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
● Rallied two subordinates, training them in 31 core tasks, resulting in their award of the Air Force Specialty Code specific 5-skill level.
● Annual contributor to the Combined Federal Campaign
US Airways Express/Piedmont Airlines – Arlington, VA
Ramp Unit Manager, 12/2013 to 2014
Facilitates and advocates for superior customer service in the coaching in leading of Ramp Agents in the safe, efficient, quick movement of customer baggage and cargo. Directs and oversees the daily performance and operations of Ramp Agents. Provides guidance to Ramp Agents in the area of career development and provides guidance and corrects non-compliant behavior. Enforces rules in accordance with company policies and customer expectations. Monitors air traffic via flight transit visibility programs. Maintains constant communication with station operations to ensure timely flight arrival/departure.
Selected Contributions:
● Implemented a more efficient means of managing ramp personnel
● Provided exemplary customer service in the stop-loss of 90% of passenger lost items
● Ensured on time departure for 98% of outbound aircraft
United States Air Force Reserve (Activated Reservist) – Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan
Passenger/Ramp Services Agent, 9/2012 to 4/2013
Directly supported Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) by providing vital movement to over 250k DoD and military personnel and over 14k tons of personal baggage and gear.
Implemented expansion plans for baggage yard storage facility; added 15% additional storage capacity to account for PAX spike to ensure maximum courtesy storage space for transients. Coordinated with other coalition partners of ISAF to ensure seamless transportation and cargo movement in and out of Afghanistan. Provided quality customer service for all DoD passengers, military personnel and dependents travelling through Air Force terminals as a PAX terminal representative. Executed air freight operations by assisting ramp and loading operations of cargo and personnel for various military aircrafts such as the C-5 Galaxy, C-17, and C-130.
Selected Contributions:
● Ensured on time departure of commercial aircraft, by implementing safer, faster cargo loading procedures.
● Started and completed the Airman Leadership School Distance Learning Course
Additional experience in social services and sales/customer service.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Leadership Studies Minor, (May 2011)
Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Virginia
Air Traffic Control Academy Graduate, (2016)
Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Enroute Radar Controller (Cred#:170900072)
Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center, ZOA, Fremont, CA
Professional Development
National Air Traffic Controller Association
National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees
USAF Airman Leadership School ▪ USAF Joint Inspector Class
Licensed operator: Halvorsen Next Generation Small Loader (NGSL), 60K Tunner Loader, 4k, 6k, 10k, 10kAT forklifts, 15 Passenger van, 25-51 Passenger Bus
Skills: Communication (oral & written), Innovative/critical thinker, Complex problem solver,