Rock Solid Warrior: Airman 1st Class John Cirincione

Published Aug. 24, 2012
386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name: Airman 1st Class John Cirincione

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Assistant Crew Chief

Home unit/station: 153rd Maintenance Squadron Cheyenne, Wyo.

Family's military heritage:
My father is a retired Air Force Officer, my mother was administration in the Air Force, and my brother is an Army Sniper.

What is your mission here?
As a crew chief my mission is to keep our airplanes flying. Right after landing we begin to secure, inspect, and service the aircraft, getting it ready for its next flight. We correct any problems the aircraft may have or coordinate with the appropriate specialist to get the job done. When everything is finished we go over the condition of the aircraft with the production supervisor. If they are satisfied with the finished product they sign an exceptional release and then the airplane is ready to be handed off to the aircrew.

What are some of the best parts of your mission?
The best part of my mission is seeing the final product of my work. We put many hours of maintenance into the planes before each and every flight. Without our full dedication to the aircraft the mission could not be completed. I've also flown as a flying crew chief on the C-130. This allowed me to see the fulfillment of the mission. Seeing everything take place gives me a greater appreciation of the complete mission.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I face here is the weather. The planes need maintenance twenty-four hours a day regardless of the temperature, high winds, or sandstorms. Working with a solid crew and helping each other out is the best way to overcome the weather. It gets out job done quickly and gives us a break to cool off when needed. Being away from my family is also a hardship I face while deployed. Luckily, this location has all the aspects in place to communicate with my family on a daily basis.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
The flightline is more active here compared to back home. Here, we fly more lines per day than back home so there's always work to be done. In addition we work twelve-hour shifts, so the days are much longer than at home station. This is giving me the opportunity to learn my job much more in depth. At home I am a traditional guardsman so I only work one weekend a month. I would never have the opportunity to learn as much so quickly with the all the different units working a combined effort.

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

What makes this deployment unique?
This deployment is unique because we are currently deployed with three other units. We are here with Kentucky and Missouri guard units and the Yokota, Japan, active duty unit. This lets me see how other bases operate. It also has taught me new techniques and skills that I can bring home with me.

Why did you join the Air force?
Having grown up in a military family, it was always a dream to serve. I was always fascinated with aviation so after getting my pilots certificate and A&P certificate I decided to apply my skills to a career and enlisted with the Wyoming Air National Guard.