Southwest Asia -- I am Senior Airman Michael Quatman, a 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron fuels system journeyman. My home unit is the 317th Maintenance Squadron located at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas.
As a fuels system journeyman I maintain internal fuel tanks and their components of the C-130 aircraft by removing access panels, purging, repairing, and testing fuel tanks and cells. I also perform entry and maintenance in confined spaces and prepare aircraft surfaces by applying sealants, adhesives, and associated chemicals.
The biggest difference between my job here and at home station is that while deployed my duties are not limited to fuel cell maintenance. I also work with tool and equipment control/management in the sortie support section.
My professional goals are to become more proficient in the multiple facets of my job and the Air Force and to earn my Community College of the Air Force degree. My personal goals are to earn a degree in psychology and to become a teacher someday.
In my off-time I enjoy reading, staying physical active by going to the gym and learning new things.
The most rewarding part of this mission and this experience is getting a different perspective of how our work impacts the bigger picture and mission. I also really enjoy learning about the different cultures and meeting people from other Air Force bases.