Rock Solid Warrior Published June 4, 2007 36th Airlift Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Tech. Sgt. Daniel F. Massey Tech. Sgt. Daniel F. Massey 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron Evaluator Flight Engineer, C-130E/H / Q1A171 Home unit/base: 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota AB, Japan How do you support the mission here? I support the mission by working hard to ensure timely completion of preflight duties so that aircraft is ready to fly with time to spare. I use knowledge of aircraft systems to solve malfunctions while always aiming for mission effectiveness. I work toward building future leaders by involving my crew loadmasters in base volunteer opportunities. How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my sixth deployment to CENTAF's area of responsibility since Sep. 11, 2001. I did five rotations prior to that date. This rotation has been unique from the beginning, when I deployed with two 1st-Lieutenant pilots. This is the first time this has happened since the new Mobility Pilot Development program started. I have also been given the opportunity to create a new program that has had base-wide impact at my deployed location. It is called the Operations Open House. The program offers non-fliers a chance to see the 386 EAW mission and how they contribute to getting it done. Getting to fly a distinguished visitor has made this deployment unique. We had the opportunity to talk with CENTAF Commander, Lt. Gen. Gary North. He even complemented our crew saying we were the most professional crew he had seen in years. How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Here I have a direct impact on the war effort. Every plane full of cargo or passengers means fewer people have to be on the highways with dangerous convoys. I would like to think we are saving lives every time we fly here. At home base our mission is important, although the sense of urgency here is more heightened. The intense heat and dusty conditions add to the unique challenge of hacking the mission. Being able to do my job in this theater provides a higher sense of pride and satisfaction.