At least two of the fabric specialists at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins AFB, Ga., where they do everything from maintaining parachutes and survival kits to sewing on uniform patches and manufacturing engine heat exchangers each have 27 years experience at their jobs. Mark Richey has spent 27 years inspecting and repacking parachutes—as an airman and a civilian. “People say they don’t want that kind of responsibility, but as long as you follow your technical order, this is designed to work every time,” said Richey. Another with 27 years experience in the Fabric Shop is Annette Dentsley, who is one of five technicians who make foam fillers for C-130 and F-15 fuel tanks. Cutting the foam, which helps prevent explosions and stabilizes an aircraft by keeping the fuel from shifting about, is “a challenge to get it cut in the right way,” said Dentsley. Interesting and vital work. (Robins report by Wayne Crenshaw)
The Space Force awarded three contracts for rocket launches worth up to a combined $13.68 billion on April 4—and the usual players SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have got some competition in the form of newcomer Blue Origin.