Ricardo Mendez
Caguas
Summary
Results-driven professional specializing in landing operations logistics and support services. Expertise in project coordination and safety protocols enhances operational efficiency and fosters collaboration. Focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives drives organizational growth.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Landing Support Specialist
US Marine Corps
11.2020 - Current
- -Key Duties & Responsibilities Managed all facets of transportation throughput for personnel, cargo, and equipment across beaches, landing zones, airfields, and ports in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations. Directed and executed complex logistical missions, including amphibious operations, Combat Cargo Assistant (CCA) duties on naval ships, and rail/terminal operations. Led Helicopter Support Team (HST) operations, rigging and inspecting external loads for airlift delivery to austere or forward-deployed locations. Coordinated ground and air movement logistics, utilizing the Defense Transportation System (DTS) and Automated Information Systems (AIS) for tracking and in-transit visibility (ITV).
- -Accomplishments Deployed and recovered 55 personnel and 28 tons of equipment during major exercises. Sustained mission readiness for ground combat elements by successfully executing 20+ high-risk Helicopter Support Team (HST) missions under strict timelines. Streamlined logistical procedures for DET 1, Landing Support CO that improved force embarkation and retrograde efficiency by 100%. Trained 25 junior Marines in load-planning, hazardous material handling, and HST operations, ensuring team proficiency and safety.
- -Core Transferable Skills Expeditionary Logistics and Supply Chain Management Cargo/Load Planning (Air/Sea) Automated Information Systems (AIS). In-Transit Visibility (ITV) Hazardous Material Handling (HAZMAT) Team Leadership and Stress Management Process Optimization Amphibious/Port Operations
- Hours per week: 48
Truck driver
Arecibo Home Desing
09.2024 - 09.2025
- -Key Duties & Responsibilities Operated commercial vehicles with cat.8 license to transport and deliver household utensils and kitchenware to retail stores and distribution centers across the 76 municipalities of Puerto Rico. Managed all aspects of cargo loading and unloading, securing fragile freight using proper techniques to minimize in-transit damage. Maintained detailed manifests, delivery logs, and trip reports using electronic devices to ensure regulatory compliance and inventory accuracy. Conducted mandatory pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections on vehicles, identifying and reporting maintenance issues to uphold safety standards.
- -Quantifiable Accomplishments Completed over 500 on-time deliveries annually, maintaining a 98% on-time rate across diverse routes and weather conditions. Maintained a perfect driving safety record over 6 years overall in different jobs, demonstrating strict adherence to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Processed high-volume cargo (e.g., 20,000 lbs per load) and paperwork, reducing average load verification time by 15%. Provided superior customer service by liaising directly with 15+ store managers weekly to confirm orders, troubleshoot issues, and ensure accurate placement of goods.
- -Core Transferable Skills Commercial Vehicle license Cat.8 Logistics and Route Optimization Freight Handling and Securing (Cargo/Load Planning) DOT Compliance and Safety Management Inventory Control (Manifest/Paperwork Processing) Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Proficiency Customer Service and Professional Communication
- Hours per week: 40
Groundman
Centurion
11.2022 - 05.2023
- -Key Duties & Responsibilities Supported line crews and technicians in the installation, repair, and maintenance of overhead and underground utility/telecommunication infrastructure. Operated and maintained heavy equipment and specialized tools, including chippers, chainsaws, pole handling equipment, and trenchers, as directed. Ensured the safety of the crew and the public by setting up and managing effective work zones, traffic control, and safety barriers according to OSHA and Centurion standards. Prepared sites by digging trenches, loading and unloading materials (poles, cable reels, hardware), and managing debris and brush removal.
- -Quantifiable Accomplishments Contributed to the successful completion of 60+ high-priority projects (e.g., fiber optic installations, storm restoration) in 6 months, maintaining project schedules. Maintained a perfect safety record across 1,500+ hours of on-site work, rigorously adhering to safety protocols and PPE requirements. Increased crew efficiency by 10% through rapid material staging and preparation, significantly reducing downtime during key operations. Trained and mentored 15+ new personnel on safe tool handling and basic ground operations, ensuring rapid integration into the team.
- -Core Transferable Skills Utility/Construction Site Safety (OSHA familiarity) Heavy Equipment Ground Support Traffic Control and Work Zone Setup Hand and Power Tool Proficiency Material Handling (Lifting, Rigging, Staging) Physical Stamina and Reliability Teamwork and On-Site Communication Brush and Debris Management
- Hours per week: 40
Education
High school diploma or equivalent -
Puerto Rico Youth Challenge
Salinas, PR06-2017
Technical or occupational certificate -
Mech Tech College
Vega Baja, PR02-2019
Skills
- Ground support operations
- Aircraft ground handling
- Cargo management
- Safety compliance
- Safety training
- Equipment inspection
- Equipment maintenance
- Crisis management
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Customer service excellence
Certification
- OSHA-Compliant Forklift Certification
Languages
- English Spoken: Advanced | Written: Advanced | Read: Advanced
- Spanish Spoken: Advanced | Written: Advanced | Read: Advanced
References
- Project Field Engineer/ Project Manager. Kevin Castillo, +1 (787) 518-0795
- Capt., Akbaruddah, +1 (404) 759-9206
- Sgt., Ayala, +1 (787) 431-0797
- Cpl., Toro, +1 (787) 629-7285
Timeline
Truck driver
Arecibo Home Desing
09.2024 - 09.2025
Groundman
Centurion
11.2022 - 05.2023
Landing Support Specialist
US Marine Corps
11.2020 - Current
High school diploma or equivalent -
Puerto Rico Youth Challenge
Technical or occupational certificate -
Mech Tech College