Multi-talented

Airmen deployed to the 5th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, either at its main base with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing or its geographically separated APOD (for aerial port of debarkation), perform maintenance on USAF C-17 and C-5 strategic airlifters and other aircraft, as needed, learning aircraft outside their specialties to fill in for manning gaps. The main bunch of maintainers work in day and night 12-man crews on 12-hour, six-day shifts, while the smaller APOD, which takes the overflow mobility load, principally the huge C-5s, has six-man crews, making cross-utilization between aircraft types essential. One example is TSgt. Robert Wilson Jr., a jet engine mechanic deployed from Dover AFB, Del., on what is called a “holiday tour” since he is serving through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, often has to work in the crew chief role, taking the lead to ensure all maintenance actions get covered for transiting aircraft. As Wilson said, “My job is to keep the planes in the air, to fix them as quick as possible the first time, safely, and by the book.” (386th AEW report by SSgt. Vincent Borden)