Deployed maintenance officer fills big shoes at Dubai Air Show 2011

Published Nov. 9, 2011
By By Master Sgt. Chance Babin
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A forward deployed maintenance officer from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing is playing a major role in one of the largest air shows in the world.

Capt Julia Palmer, the maintenance operations officer for the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, is in charge of all maintenance for U.S. Air Force aircraft during the lead-up to the Dubai Airshow 2011 until her stateside maintenance boss arrives from the U.S. Department of Defense.

"I'm responsible for coordinating all the people, equipment and aircraft requirements for all Department of Defense aircraft represented at the air show," said Palmer, a Kennebunk, Maine native.

Additionally, Palmer is responsible for all maintenance activities including organizing an aircraft parking plan, getting all aircraft ground equipment prepared and assuring all fuel, equipment and liquid oxygen needs are met.

The fact that Palmer is forward deployed from her wing in theater gave her an advantage when working with other teams from the area of responsibility that are participating in the air show.

"It's handy having Airmen from the 380th AEW forward deployed here so we can contact and coordinate with other units in the [area of responsibility]," said Palmer "I speak maintenance, and I can explain to them about what we need and what they need to bring."

One of the challenges she faces is keeping up with which air crews and aircraft are coming to the show.

"The nature of the beast is things are going to change up until the execution of event," she said. "Real [mission needs] affect what aircraft are available, and these change which aircraft will be able to represent the U.S. at the air show."

The Dubai Airshow 2011 is internationally acclaimed as the third largest air show in the world and the premier aviation and air industry event in the gulf region.

"I've never worked an air show before, yet I'm working the world's third largest," Palmer said. "It's been great working with everyone and seeing the logistical orchestra of an event of this size and the coordination it takes at all levels; it is just amazing to me."

The size of the air show and international scale of it brings different challenges as well.

"It's different than normal air shows because you aren't just coordinating with local units," Palmer said. "You are working with units from all over the world that are dealing with real world taskings."

When an aircraft or aircrew is not able to come due to real world needs, it creates a domino effect, she said.

"It affects everyone when crews drop out or we add another crew," she said. "Each aircraft has unique ground equipment requirements. We have to ensure they have everything they need."

The 380th AEW is essential for this air show as they are providing aircraft and manning, she said. The wing is also a lifeline for equipment and any unexpected needs.

"The Airmen from the 380th are not only providing aircraft and manning to support the air show, but will also support any unforeseen maintenance emergencies or requirements," Palmer said. "The 380th team is here to make sure they get back into fight."

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