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Aircrew flight equipment duo supports successful rescue squadron

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan --  In a dark, dusty tent on the U.S. Air Force's 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron compound, a team of aircrew flight equipment technicians rotate 12-hour shifts to ensure the squadron's aircrew is ready to conduct life-saving missions.

So far this year, the aircrew flight equipment duo has contributed to more than 70 rescue missions and 86 rescues.

Airman 1st Class Cris Dingle, an aircrew flight equipment technician, said the aircrews rely on him and his teammate to ensure their equipment is always ready for missions.

"They know they can trust that their equipment is ready when they need it," Dingle said.

Deployed from the California National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., the 26th ERQS aircrew, maintenance and support teams augment a highly visible and important casualty evacuation mission in Regional Command Southwest.

Lt. Col. George Dona, 26th ERQS commander, said so far the Airmen of the 26th have done a great job adjusting to the harsh demands of the mission.

"Being a Guard unit, the majority of the personnel here have not deployed to this [area of responsibility], or deployed in general," Dona said. "With that being said, they have really put forth their best efforts, and are accomplishing some of the toughest flying conditions, alert schedules, and [aircraft] maintenance that I have come across."

When called upon for a CASEVAC, Air Force Guardian Angel pararescuemen, combat rescue officers, crew chiefs and gunners "scramble" to HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. This is the "Pedro" mission, and when they're requested, it usually means someone is in need of life-saving assistance.

"The importance of the mission is very high," said Senior Master Sgt. Vincent Aldama, the aircrew flight equipment noncommissioned officer in charge. "Their equipment is critical."

Equipment including helmets, radios, survival vests, and night vision goggles are all cleaned, inspected and maintained by the team. Pre- and post-flight equipment checks are part of their daily duties, keeping their work tempo high.

"It's life-sustaining equipment," Aldama said. "Especially with their night operations, the night vision goggles that we maintain are critical. They are the aircrew's eyes at night. Without them, the mission won't happen."

For preventative maintenance, the team conducts radio communication checks, and identifies any type of equipment malfunction or structural damage. Also, dust is a big problem in Helmand Province, so the team makes sure everything stays dust free and serviceable for the missions.

"There's a lot of equipment that we have to keep up to date," Dingle said. "There's at least 20 list items in the vest alone. We make sure it's all in working order."

The aircrew flight equipment section is only a portion of the overall CASEVAC mission, but its importance is critical to mission success.

"We know that we're doing our job and helping save lives," Aldama said.