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The caretakers of visiting aircraft

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Not every aircraft that touches down on the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's runway is assigned to the wing. So who takes care of those aircraft that are here for a brief moment?

That job is tasked to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Transient Alert maintainers. These experienced contractors provide fuel, oxygen, chalking services and the "follow me" escort service to a multitude of different airframes from fighter jets to cargo aircraft and everything in between.

"Essentially we play a game of Tetris with the aircraft we are responsible for," said Roger Dowdy, 379th EMXS Transient Alert site manager. "We weave them around the flightline to their designated parking spot and make sure they get the resources they need to continue with their mission."

On average, the team handles between 15 to 20 different aircraft each day totaling more than 500 aircraft each month. They ensure everyone of them gets the needed service in a timely manner, turned around so the crew can launch and make their next destination or mission on time.

In April 2012, the team faced a challenge, having to deal with the arrival of distinguished visitors who gathered at the 379th for a conference. The 12-man team had the responsibility of handling 42 planes in one day.

"That day was especially challenging," said Manuel Ramirez, 379th EMXS Transient Alert maintenance technician. "But the communication and coordination our team had made it seem like a walk in the park. These maintenance techs are true professionals."

Most of the contractors assigned to Transient Alert are former loadmasters and crew chiefs who served in the military. Their vast knowledge of different aircraft provides a valuable resource in handling the many different airframes that pass through the 379th AEW.

The crew maintains a sharp awareness to their surroundings when maneuvering the aircraft around the flightline. This ensures no accidents occur and the aircraft meet the demands of a tight schedule.

"In the two years that I've been here, we have had no major safety incidences that have cost the Air Force money or resources," said Ramirez. "Safety of all aircraft is our main priority."

These skilled maintainers work 24 hours a day, seven days a week provide a dedicated concierge service to the aircraft that visit the 379th AEW.