521st AMOG keeps Galaxies Flying through Iraq

Airman 1st Class Justin Evans, 521st Air Mobility Operations Group crew chief, marshals a C-5 Galaxy to the taxi way Sept. 13, 2010, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, C-5's are used to move vehicles and equipment no longer needed in Iraq, due to the drawdown, back to the U.S., or Afghanistan.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Perry Aston) (Released)

521st AMOG keeps Galaxies Flying through Iraq

Senior Airman Douglas Osman, 521st Air Mobility Operations Group engine mechanic regulates the flow of fuel through the tanks in the wings of a C-5 Galaxy Sept. 13, 2010, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Osman must balance out the wings fuel within 8,000 lbs of each other to ensure the C-5 flies safely.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Perry Aston) (Released)

521st AMOG keeps Galaxies Flying through Iraq

Airman 1st Class Joshua Walling, 521st Air Mobility Operations Group hydraulics specialist, wipes the sand off a shock absorber from one of the C-5 Galaxy's five landing gears during a preflight inspection Sept. 13, 2010, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Walling is preparing the aircraft to fly to Balad AB to receive cargo.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Perry Aston) (Released)

521st AMOG keeps Galaxies Flying through Iraq

A high dynamic range photograph of a C-5 Galaxy sits on the flight line as it is prepared for a flight Sept. 13th, 2010, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world and the largest airlifter in the Air Force inventory. The C-5 can carry more than any other airlifter. It has the ability to carry 36 standard pallets and up to 81 troops simultaneously.(U.S. Air Force photo-illustration by Senior Airman Perry Aston) (Released)

"Jackals" keep Galaxies, Globemasters flying through Iraq

Published Sept. 19, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen
Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq Public Affairs

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Maintainers with the 521st Air Mobility Operations Group, Detachment 5, also known as the "Jackals," have kept on their toes maintaining C-5 Galaxies and C-17 Globemaster III's passing through Iraq, ensuring they are in "tip top" shape to keep troops and cargo moving through safely.

"We've got C-5s coming in here and we're making sure they're getting out of here in tip top shape," said Senior Airman Douglas Osman, 521st AMOG, Det. 5, engine specialist deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "We're providing reliable aircraft to all downrange missions and getting cargo to people who need it."

Over the third quarter of this year, Airmen here have maintained more than 120 Galaxy and Globemaster arrivals and departures per month, that have moved more than 42,000 passengers and nearly 8,000 tons of cargo.

The purpose of the 521st AMOG's two geographically separated units at Al Asad and Joint Base Balad are to reduce the need for maintenance recovery teams -- teams formed at another base to deploy and repair a non-mission capable aircraft. Typically these teams deploy from outside Iraq.

"These guys here can fix an array of maintenance issues so we don't have to call another set of people in to fix it," said Capt. Amy Wilkins, 521st AMOG, Det. 5 commander, deployed from Eielson AFB, Alaska. "They can get the mission moving out a lot faster than it would be if they had to send troops and supplies in from the states."

The team is formed with crew chiefs, engine, hydraulics, guidance and control, electrics, communication and navigation and supply specialists to make sure aircraft coming through don't sit on the tarmac for an extended period of time, making certain they keep cargo and passengers moving throughout the theater.

"My crew here is motivated, highly trained and proud to serve their country," said Master Sgt. Alvin Buenaventura, 521st AMOG, Det. 5, production superintendent, who's is also deployed from Travis AFB and hails from Fairfield, Calif. "We've had a lot of aircraft to work on here at Al Asad during this time, but everyone performed their duties well, especially in the extreme environment."

The maintainers here see the fruits of their labor everyday as troops and equipment come through aboard these giant aircraft and their job satisfaction is overwhelming.

"It's a humbling experience," said Airman Osman. Who hails from Granite Bay, Calif. "It's pretty awesome to see all the equipment that we're taking out of here and helping all our Soldiers get back home safe and sound. I couldn't ask for any other job. It's an awesome job."

The feeling of pride in what they do, combined with the importance their mission resonates to the top of the detachment's chain with Captain Wilkins.

The Butte, Mont., native said this is an awesome mission because they're keeping people and cargo moving through the theater.

"Especially with the drawdown in Iraq, we need to get them out of here," she said. "This is a great job. I really like it."