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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Tech. Sgt. Matthew Shaffer

NCO in charge of aircrew flight equipment section

Home unit/base: 755th Operations Support Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

How do you support the mission here? I ensure that 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron aircrews have serviceable personal gear for their sorties, and that the aircraft has serviceable life-saving equipment in case of an emergency.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my fourth deployment. This one is unique because it is my first deployment to this location, and I'm performing a different aspect of my newly merged career field. Previously, I was a Survival Equipment Specialist, but here I'm learning to be a deployed shop chief for Life Support.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? We have a more active and constant operations tempo being deployed, which allows me to interact with aircrew more frequently and on a personal level. Also, we have less manning, which makes everyone have to step up and be more responsible.