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Rock Solid Warior: Tech. Sgt. Kelsey Kent

  • Published
  • 387th Expeditionary Support Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Rank/First & Last Name:
Tech. Sgt. Kelsey Kent

Deployed Unit:
387th Expeditionary Support Squadron/Civil Engineer Flight

Duty Title:
Power Production Craftsman

Home unit/station:
647th Civil Engineer Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii

Family's military heritage:
My grandpa served as an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II.

What is your mission here?
I am the technical expert for the generator and light cart contract, valued at $133,000, which provides primary and standby power to my base. I supervise three technicians doing daily checks and maintenance on 24 generators and 26 light carts.

What are some of the best parts of your mission?
I enjoy working with good technicians and the satisfaction of knowing how important my work is, that the mission wouldn't go on without power.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?
The summer heat is always a challenge to keeping the generators operating. Not only do we have to re-configure the equipment to keep it cool, but working outside in the heat all day wears you out.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?
It differs quite a bit because here it's only a one-deep slot, and everyone in the civil engineer flight works together to help everybody get the job done.

How many times have you deployed?
This is my third deployment to this area of responsibility, but I used to work on Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command communications teams and had 23 temporary duties throughout the world.

What makes this deployment unique?
Working with other country national technicians is new to me. Their work ethic is great; they're always taking care of business.

Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the military because it's something it felt like I needed to do, something I always wanted to do as a kid.