Mobility Airman profile: Communications, navigation Airman, deployed from Joint Base MDL, keeps KC-10s ready at Southwest Asia base

Published Nov. 12, 2010
By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Senior Airman Edwin Daub is a communications and navigation journeyman deployed with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Extender aircraft maintenance unit, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, at a non-disclosed location in Southwest Asia.

Airman Daub is deployed from the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Headquartered at Joint Base MDL, the 305th AMW "extends America's global reach" by generating, mobilizing and deploying 32 KC-10 Extender and 13 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to conduct strategic airlift and air refueling missions worldwide, according to the wing's fact sheet. Additionally, the 305th AMW operates two of America's "largest strategic aerial ports supporting the delivery of cargo and personnel to combatant commanders abroad."

At his deployed location, Airman Daub is part of a team in the 380th AMXS that keeps the KC-10 Extender aircraft deployed there ready for combat air refueling missions every day in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

As a communications and navigation journeyman for the KC-10, Airman Daub advises on problems maintaining aircraft communication, navigation, cryptographic, computer and ancillary systems, his official Air Force job description shows. He is trained to use and interpret layout drawings, schematics, logic and pictorial diagrams to solve maintenance problems. He also advises on aligning and calibrating procedures to ensure optimum operating efficiency and analyzes data received from testing and troubleshooting procedures to determine necessary repair.

Communications and navigation Airmen like Airman Daub are also trained to remove, installs, inspect, maintain and operate aircraft avionics communication, navigation, cryptographic, computer and ancillary systems. They inspect and test systems to locate defective components or interconnections. They also troubleshoot and repair receivers, transmitters, digital and voice satellite communications, multiplexing, electronic switching and radar (doppler, search, and weather) systems.

Furthermore, communications and navigation Airmen diagnose malfunctions using technical orders, schematics, diagnostic software, wiring diagrams and test equipment. They remove and replace faulty system wiring, electrical connectors, antennas, transmission lines and multi-conductor cables.

Communications and navigation Airmen like Airman Daub also have to maintain a myriad of job knowledge to do their work at both home station and while deployed. Subject areas of mandatory knowledge includes electronic and computer fundamentals including theory of transistors, solid-state components, integrated circuits, and digital techniques applied to communication and navigation equipment and systems; principles of frequency transmission and reception applying to airborne satellite, data link, receiver, transmitter, multiplexer, and switching equipment; interpreting technical orders, wiring diagrams, and schematic drawings; and concepts and application of maintenance directives.

The 380th AEW is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, air battle management, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.