A de-icer operator checks lift controls Feb. 16, 2011, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The operators are assigned to the 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault)
Airmen 1st Class Angel Marquez and Sheldy Forton perform a service inspection on an essex power generator Feb. 16, 2011, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Airmen periodicaly inspect equipment to ensure it is ready for maintainers to use during aircraft operations. The Airmen are assigned to the 354th Maintenance Squadron as aerospace ground equipment maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault)
Airman John Wilson performs a phase two inspection on a heating system Feb. 16, 2011, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. By changing the filter, removing and priming the fuel system, Airmen can ensure equipment will function properly. Airman Wilson is a 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment maintainer. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault)
by Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
2/23/2011 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) -- Airmen with the 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment flight assisted in processing nearly 500 deploying Soldiers through the Joint Mobility Complex Feb. 3 here to help fulfill the wing's mission of enabling military forces.
AGE Airmen supported the deployment effort by de-icing aircraft and providing maintenance crews with lights, heaters, nonpowered stands and equipment to test the aircraft. AGE was not the single entity for the deployments success, but one of several Eielson Air Force Base agencies involved.
Eielson AFB Airmen's involvement makes the deployment process easier since the AGE flight is more specialized in its capability to de-ice, said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Simpson, a 354th MXS AGE service and maintenance section leader.
Eielson AFB is equipped with eight de-icers. One of which is capable of extended reach, which is necessary to safely treat the larger planes needed for troop deployments.
In another support role, AGE Airmen provide equipment and support to help prevent parked aircraft from freezing over and becoming inoperable.
"It takes a lot of heaters to ensure the planes take off on time," Sergeant Simpson said.
In cold temperatures, heaters need to be put under struts to get the plane moving. Eight to 10 heaters are needed per aircraft. Depending on the temperature, transient aircraft do not adjust well to extreme cold weather.
"We support them with whatever they need to complete the mission," said David Polly, the 354th MXS AGE support work leader of the flightline. "We want to make sure their needs are taken care of."
Comments
2/27/2011 9:40:14 AM ET Good here Richand you PBG AFB conversion to Intl Airport is great. Even two jetports. 79USD one way to FLL is nice too. Miss the club a bunch but lot's of old 111 and 135 jockies still around. Working for a DOD contractor out of Montreal since 99 but hangin' it up 30 April. Life is good. OH no one's caught CHAMPY yet. smiley Fly safe guy.Jack
John Hart, Plattsburgh NY
2/24/2011 5:05:37 PM ET Couldn't agree with you more Jack. I remember those freezin' night shifts at Minot getting the tankers off the ground or recovered. How's things in Champy country? How's retirement?
Rich H., Wisconsin
2/23/2011 8:56:15 PM ET Nice to see the AGE folks get a pat on the back...all the heat they make happen....and they're freezin'. More un-sung heroes...smiley
