Rock Solid Warrior: Tech. Sgt. William Emmons

Published Oct. 24, 2010

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Name: Tech. Sgt. William Emmons

Unit: 386 Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office

Job: Weapons safety manager

Home unit: 319th Air Refueling Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.

How do you support the mission here?
I oversee and provide safety-relevant guidance to all 386th Air Expeditionary Wing units that handle and transport explosives.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this deployment unique?
This is my fifth deployment but my first tour as the weapons safety manager. In my prior deployments, I served as a munitions systems technician, building several different types of explosives used in the fight against terrorism. Today, my primary focus is ensuring safe munitions management. The great thing about my current deployment is that I get to work with all my ammo brothers and sisters, but in a broader capacity.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
My job generally doesn't change too much in either environment, but the deployed setting does provide different challenges that keep things interesting. The biggest challenge I've faced is maintaining continuity of the unit explosives programs as new personnel rotate in and out for AEF cycles. Focusing on this aspect of my job has allowed me to establish a solid rapport with unit program representatives, providing them with the tools they need to maintain the overall health of their safety programs for future AEFs.