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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Senior Airman Jason Mullikin

Job: C-130H Flying/Dedicated Crew Chief 

Home unit/base: 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas

How do you support the mission here? I am a crew chief supporting the C-130E/H Aircraft Maintenance Unit. I perform various inspections and maintenance to ensure that the aircraft is mission ready.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my fourth 120-day deployment to the AOR. This deployment has been extremely unique due to the fact that our aircraft have been flying extremely well. Another thing that makes this deployment unique is the ability to work with other people from other bases.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Our job doesn't necessarily differ from home station. The pace picks up, but the mentality stays the same - get it done quickly, but safely. For deployed crew chiefs, we get the opportunity to learn how to perform various specialty tasks, such as engine work, hydraulics and avionics. This in turn helps us expand our overall knowledge of the aircraft. At home station our main responsibility is to train our younger Airmen so when they have to step up, they will be confident and knowledgeable. While deployed, it's a chance for us to grow ourselves.