Rock Solid Warrior Published Aug. 30, 2009 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Senior Airman Michael Czesztyicki Duty Title: C-130 aircrew flight equipment journeyman Home unit: 374th Operations Support Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan How do you support the mission here? I inspect and maintain aircrew flying helmets and oxygen masks, emergency quick-don masks, protective breathing equipment, emergency passenger oxygen systems, aircrew restraint harnesses and anti-exposure suits. I perform visual and functional inspections on three different types of life preservers as well as one and 20-man life rafts. I schedule equipment inspections of parachutes, survival kits, survival vests and aircrew body armor. I inspect and load classified information radios, combat survivor evaluator/locator radios and Global Position Systems. I perform upload and download procedures for the equipment designated to the nine C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. On a daily basis I am also responsible for inspecting, issuing, and receiving night-vision goggles, weapons and ammunition for aircrew members. I also perform quality assurance inspections on all aircrew flight equipment ensuring 100 percent technical compliance. How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my second deployment. What makes this one unique to me are the 24 hour operations and the constant around the clock flights which provide essential supplies, equipment, and personnel throughout the AOR. I've seen different countries and work side by side with the Army, Navy and C-17 aircrew flight equipment personnel. I have also had the privilege to work hand in hand with the Dyess Air Force Base crew and work under some really great leaders. I've learned the importance of unity and trusting in others. We all play an integral role here and watching everyone come together and accomplish the mission, no matter what, is a great opportunity. How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? My job here is different in a lot of ways. Here we provide 24 hour operations, while at Yokota we worked only three shifts over 18 hours due to quiet hour restrictions in Japan. At home station we are only required to take care of our assigned aircrew, which 75 percent of the time, are flying only training missions. Here we work as a team with other units to support a more diverse flying schedule into hazardous locations. Once again the team concept is enforced, as we inspect and maintain each other's equipment as a team instead of individually. The heat and stress on a daily basis also play a larger role on our work and equipment while deployed. Due to the harsh environment and hazardous locations our aircrews travel into, we inspect more routinely and keep a keen eye out for wear and tear.