Al Udeid AB, Qatar -- The 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron’s Aerospace Ground Equipment Flight at Al Udeid Air Base is the largest of its kind in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The Airmen play a special role to help ensure base readiness, keeping the aircraft flying and the installation running.
The unit provides aerospace ground equipment to support joint and coalition aircraft. If planes aren’t flying, the AGE flight is constantly working to return them to the fight.
“All aircraft need ground equipment to get them ready to fly, whether it be for servicing, starting, inspecting, loading, testing, maintenance or repairing,” said Senior Master Sgt. James Kerner, 379th EMXS AGE flight chief. “There is no air power without ground power.”
All aircraft, in the AOR, regardless of service they belong to are supported by this shop. The flight enables mission readiness to those without the capability or equipment to effectively complete the mission.
AGE not only works to keep aircraft in the sky but their equipment helps take care of the people on the ground.
AGE provides portable air conditioners and heaters for security forces manning the gate outside. When Squadrons need maintenance stands and light carts units turn to AGE to request the equipment.
“We are often referred to as ‘The Jack of All Trades,” said Staff Sgt. Desmond Wells, 379th EMXS AGE craftsmen. “Whether it’s every day or every blue moon, there comes a point where everyone relies on AGE for support, because we do it all.”