Fairchild maintenance keeps Stratotankers in the air

Published Feb. 9, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Earlandez Young
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With providing field-level maintenance support for more than 30 KC-135 aircraft as part of the everyday mission, Fairchild maintainers pour themselves into each task, which could go from a quick fix to being extremely complex.

In late October 2011, Fairchild maintainers who were pulling the work load in Moses Lake, due to construction at Fairchild's new runway, completed a 10-day Periodic Inspection on a KC-135 Stratotanker.

A PI is designed as the major inspection for an aircraft between periodic depot maintenance cycles.

"The periodic inspections were very challenging in Moses Lake," said Senior Airman Rudinei Da Silva, crew chief, 92nd Maintenance Squadron. "With communication and the help of maintainers from the 141st, we were able to meet deadlines while at the same time know aircraft we prepared were ready to fly high."

With the 92nd MXS and 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron both falling under the 92nd Maintenance group, man power issues are rarely noticeable according to Staff Sgt. James Garcia, 92nd AMXS aerospace propulsion craftsman.

"We encourage all Airmen to step-up to any task at hand if they feel they can complete it regardless of rank or time in service," said Garcia. "Someone may be out the day an engine comes in, so the next person should take care of it -- it goes back to the Wingman concept."

For 10 years, Garcia as well as Staff Sgt. John Matero, aerospace propulsion craftsman, 92nd AMXS have been working on engines, which power the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

"These engines provide reduced takeoff roll, added thrust and increased fuel efficiency," said Matero. "They also power also provide lower fuel burn for extended range, as well as increased time-on-station, payload and tankers offload capability."

Maintainers say down days are rare, but when they stumble upon one, it's greatly appreciated.

"Working on aircraft can be tiring at times, yet it feels good to know I play a role in Fairchild's everyday mission," said Airman 1st Class Vincent Williams, 92nd MXS crew chief.