An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Maintenance officer keeps 'Hercs' flying

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Maintaining a fleet of one of the U.S. Air Force's oldest aircraft may not be the easiest job, but has proven to be a very rewarding experience for one maintenance officer.

First Lt. Fernando Rolon, an Allentown, Penn., native, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, is just over a month into his first deployment in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, where he is serving as the 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge, overseeing a diverse group of aircraft maintainers and valiant fleet of C-130s.

"I have the privilege of serving with the finest unsung heroes - the aircraft maintainers," said Lieutenant Rolon. "Our job here is critical because we provide fully mission capable aircraft to accomplish our airlift mission. The transportation of personnel, supplies and air medical evacuation is a mission the C-130 knows well. Our global reach capability has made us the backbone of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom."

As a maintenance officer, the lieutenant is responsible for providing safe, airworthy aircraft to accomplish the mission.

"It's my responsibility to ensure that any maintenance being performed is done safely and by the book," he said. "A very important aspect of my job is to foster an environment where good maintenance discipline is practiced and is the standard. Our job is inherently dangerous and every day aircrew members entrust their lives to the quality of maintenance we perform. This responsibility is taken very seriously and is the reason why an aging fleet of C-130s continues to provide the world's premier airlift capability."

According to the two-year Air Force veteran, aircraft maintenance is divided into two categories -preventative (scheduled) maintenance and corrective (unscheduled) maintenance. The lieutenant said one of the biggest adjustments his unit has had to make here involves its preventative maintenance workload.

"At home station preventative maintenance is done every 15 days; however, due to the harsh environment and the high OPSTEMPO, we decided to complete the preventative maintenance every seven days," he said. "This allows us to strategically manage our aircraft to meet mission requirements."

Another difference the company grade officer said he has discovered in his time downrange is the group dynamics within his unit.

"Our maintenance team includes Airmen from multiple active duty bases around the globe to include Air National Guard and Reserve components," he said. "Being a part of the 'Total Force' is an experience I've only had here in the AOR. It's impressive to see the 'Total Force' in action working day in and day out to get the mission done."

The CGO said his days downrange usually start out pretty routine.

"I arrive early in the morning and prepare for the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group daily stand up," he said. "I brief the commander on what we accomplished the previous day and on what my production teams are preparing for the following missions. Once the daily stand up is over, I return to the flightline and ensure our sortie generation capability matches the daily air tasking order discussed."

Lieutenant Rolon said the other major aspect of his job is taking care of the Airmen within his unit.

"I make sure our maintainers are being safe and following technical orders," he said. "I have a great team that assists with taking care of the Airmen. My two flight chiefs ensure all our Airmen's needs are met and that they're mission focused."

The lieutenant said the people aspect is his favorite part of his job.

"Watching these professionals maintain aircraft and seeing the fire in their eyes to launch aircraft after aircraft is incredible," he said. "The strong camaraderie we maintainers have is indescribable and is an experience I value deeply. I'm amazed at what they accomplish and feel confident they are the reason why we are the world's premier Air Force."

Lieutenant Rolon added that while he enjoys his job, like all jobs, he does face some challenges.

"The most challenging aspect of my job is never knowing what's in store for the next day," he said. "There is never a dull moment and always a new challenge staring you in the face."

The maintenance officer said that something many people don't realize about the maintenance career field is that it is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week job.

"Our maintainers are out there fixing aircraft at all hours, despite weather conditions, ensuring mission requirements are met," he said. "All the while, these technical experts still manage the time to pursue higher education, volunteer with different organizations and ultimately make time for their families. They're incredible."

Lieutenant Rolon added that he is thankful for the opportunity to deploy and experience the C-130 mission downrange.

"I feel great about deploying," he said. "I don't view it as a burden, but as an obligation to our great nation. Everyone in the Armed Forces should deploy at least once. The experience gained and the lessons learned will benefit everyone's career."