News

Airmen continue warfighter support teaming trend

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78 ABW/PA
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Active-duty maintainers from two other bases are spending time at Robins to help return C-130s to action as quickly as possible.

A surge in getting C-130s through programmed depot maintenance is putting pressure on the functional test flight, which performs detailed tests and checks before the planes take to the skies. To help the functional test flight keep up with the increased PDM output, 15 Airmen from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and two from Hurlburt Field, Fla., are temporarily assigned here.

They have been assisting in the lengthy, intricate process of running tests and checks on the planes before the overhauled aircraft are flown.

The visiting Airmen said they have benefitted by learning more about what goes on in depot maintenance, and they have gotten to do some things with the planes they normally wouldn't do in the field.

"They get more into the system than we do," said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah McCoy of Hurlburt. "We've learned a lot of tips and tricks as far as getting the job done."

In return, Robins has gotten some much-needed help in getting planes through the last stage before they're returned to action.

"This is the best way for us to get the help we need, because these guys are coming from active-duty lines," said Stephen Hartley, first line supervisor in the functional test flight. "They know the aircraft and can jump right in and help us."

Hartley said when the visiting Airmen leave, he expects to have Airmen recruited from other bases to come in and help out until their manpower level is where it needs to be.

Master Sgt. Kevin Norman of Kirtland said the experience has helped his team understand more about the role of depot maintenance. For example, in the past when a plane would return from PDM, Airmen would wonder why a ragged pilot's seat cover had not been replaced.

Turns out, replacing seat covers is just not part of PDM, which is focused on mechanical and safety issues.

"In the field there is a general misconception about depot maintenance, which I had myself," Norman said. " A seat cover might be an eyesore, but it's not related to safety."