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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Staff Sgt. Danielle D. Clay

Job: Non-Destructive Inspection Journeyman

Home unit: 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. 

How do you support the mission here? I support the mission by performing various non-destructive inspections procedures which check for aircraft structural cracks and deficiencies. I perform numerous special inspections such as the 450-hour aircraft inspection on the center wing upper and lower rainbow fittings by using the Eddy Current method. This inspection looks for fatigue cracks in fittings, flanges, vertical attachment angles, and stringers. I also perform aircrew debrief, ensuring all aircraft discrepancies are accurately reported. In addition, I assist in support functions by ensuring the crew chiefs and specialists have the tools and equipment they need to accomplish their job.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my second deployment. This deployment is unique because I am seeing how all of the different jobs within the unit interact with each other to accomplish our critical mission. I also perform special inspections that are unique to this deployed location and must be accomplished in order for other specialists to complete their job.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? My job is different because I am primarily focused on the EC-130H, whereas at home station, I have three different airframes to inspect. With intelligence briefings, I get to see the immediate impact my job has on the day-to-day wartime mission. In a deployed environment, I have a greater appreciation for the overall mission and a much higher job satisfaction.