Rock Solid Warrior: Airman 1st Class Marcus Kiner

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Marcus Kiner, 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice, conducts a post flight inspection at an undisclosed location, Southwest Asia, Mar. 29, 2012. Kiner was inspecting a Mask Breathing Unit- 20/P to ensure operation as part of a post flight inspection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James Lieth)

Rock Solid Warrior: Airman 1st Class Marcus Kiner

Published March 31, 2012
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affiars Office

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Name: Airman 1st Class Marcus Kiner

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron

Duty Title: Aircrew Flight Equipment Apprentice

Home unit/station: 374th Operations Support Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan

How do you support the mission here? I support the mission by providing excellent mission essential inspections and maintenance of Aircrew Flight Equipment ensuring the safety and security for over 90 aircrew members assigned to the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron as well the 386th Expeditionary Airlift Wing. In addition, I am responsible for the inventory and issuing of all survival equipment and anti-hijacking weaponry to aircrew members used in protecting aircraft, people and cargo on missions throughout the entire AFCENT AOR as well as supporting JTF Horn of Africa operations.

Favorite movie: The Dark Knight

Favorite restaurant: Tokyo Bar & Grill

Favorite superhero: Batman

Place you would most like to vacation to or visit: Anywhere in Europe

Favorite actor/actress: Christian Bale / Natalie Portman

Favorite food: Chicken Modiga

Favorite musical group/musician/singer: Tie between "30 seconds to Mars" and "The Killers"

How many times have you deployed and what makes this deployment unique? This is my first deployment of my AF career, this deployment I have learned a lot both personally and professionally thanks to my NCOIC. He is truly setting me up for future success.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? At home, we maintain the equipment used by aircrews during normal sorties and their inspection records. My job being deployed becomes a concentrated version of what we do at home with more focus on serving the aircrew members, and making sure they have what they need during flight for combat operations.