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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Senior Airman Kawika Rauschenburg

C-130 Fuel System mechanic

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

How do you support the mission here? As a fuel system mechanic, I support the mission by dealing with all aspects of the C-130 aircraft fuel systems. This includes ensuring proper system and component operation, identifying discrepancies with components and associated systems and troubleshooting discrepancies to the quickest corrective action to ensure mission capability. I also enter fuel tanks to replace malfunctioning components, and complete a final inspection on an affected system before it's released back to flying status.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my third deployment. It's unique because it is the first time I have been able to work alongside C-130 "fuel shoppers" from other bases located around the world. This allows me to see other methods of maintenance and improve my production.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? At home station I have a lot more distractions off duty. That has a good and a bad effect on my productivity. While deployed, I eat, sleep and dream maintenance, which helps me operate at my highest effectiveness for the mission.