Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Tyler Fox

Published April 3, 2013
386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name: Senior Airman Tyler Fox

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Aircraft Fuel Systems Repair Journeyman

Home unit/station: 374 MXS/MXMCF, Yokota Air Base, Japan

Family's military heritage? My grandfather on my mother's side was in the Army during the Korean War. He was a POW for 2 years in a Chinese Prison camp before escaping just prior to the end of the war. On my father's side, my grandfather and uncle were both in the Army serving in WWII and in Vietnam. My father was Air Transportation in the Air Force during Vietnam.

What is your mission here? As part of the Sortie Support flight here at 'The Rock', I perform two roles. The primary mission I perform is to conduct Fuel Systems Repair on all models of C-130 aircraft. This can include any type of fuel related discrepancy such as repairing leaks, troubleshooting quantity and electrical problems, and going into the wing tanks or dry bays to replace components. My subsidiary duty is to work in the support flight Consolidated Tool Kit (CTK). This includes but is not limited to: inspection and accountability of tool kits, individual tools, and aircraft test equipment, assigning and checking in tools used by flight line maintenance personnel, and maintaining various shop programs.

What are some of the best parts of your mission? The best part of this mission is the people. As with any assignment in the military, you get to meet and interact with people from all over the United States that any other job would never include. I have met and worked with some of the best individuals here that I have ever had the pleasure to know. Everyone that comes into this section works well and are motivated and prepared to be team players in every responsibility we are tasked with. Everyone comes together to get our aircraft flying and I have made some life-long friendships during my rotation.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? The challenges that I face here are not different than any that I would face at a different location. Working as a mechanic on any aircraft will have challenges because nothing will ever be cut-and-dry. Fuel discrepancies, whether new or common, are unpredictable at best, but are easily overcome by using our tech data and combining experience and knowledge to understand and fix the problem. On the CTK side, the challenges we face are often workload related. With a support section of this size, there are numerous kits and equipment that must be constantly maintained and re-accounted for. There are thousands of individual tools and specialized test equipment that must be meticulously kept up to Air Force driven standards. Like everything, the spectacular team that I work with comes together to not only meet standards but to surpass them.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? The most notable difference here compared to my home station is the work environment. The manning here compared to my home station is reduced to just a few people in the shop at a time. This creates a different type of atmosphere in which I am able to take on more leadership oriented roles, even running the shift or acting as the shop chief at times. I view these opportunities as a privilege and an excellent learning experience that I may not have gained at home.

How many times have you deployed? This is my first deployment

What makes this deployment unique? This deployment is unique because it has forced me out of my comfort zone. I have been obligated to make quick and tough decisions here as well as had to work in abnormal but necessary locations. However, the most interesting part of my rotation here has been working with the Air National Guard. I have been blessed to witness how a different auxiliary of our Air Force operates and I have been both humbled and impressed by their professionalism, attention to detail, and outstanding ability to efficiently carry out our mission here.

Why did you join the Air Force? For as long as I can remember, I have always known that I would be in the military. My whole family has been in the military and I felt privileged that I was born in the United States, and therefore, obligated to give back. When I was a child, I witnessed the tragic events on September 11th, and even though I didn't quite understand who did that to us, I knew I had to ensure I had a part in seeing that it never happened again. As an automobile mechanic, I knew that maintenance would be where I could serve best. Most importantly though, I knew the Air Force would take the best care of my wife and provide future securities for her and the family we plan to build.