KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --
In an era where combat extends from the battlefield to cyberspace,
technological advancement can mean the difference between victory and defeat,
between lives lost and lives saved. One of the most advanced airframes in the
Air Force’s arsenal, The MQ-9 Reaper is the manifestation of technical
ingenuity and a guardian for ground forces in Afghanistan.
Supporting the largest Reaper unit in the Air Force, Airmen
assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft
Maintenance Squadron work 24 hours a day to ensure the Reaper fleet is fully
operational and ready to launch at a moment’s notice.
“I perform preventative maintenance as well as
scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on the aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Adam,
451 EAMXS avionics systems specialist. “If it has anything to do with
electronics or a computer system, it’s my job to make sure it’s working properly.”
The Reaper, a Remotely Piloted Aircraft primarily
designed for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance collection, can also
perform close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike and other
critical functions, making it an indispensable tool.
“There are many things that require unique and
specific attention pertaining to avionics and the kind of education the Air
Force provides us. The Reaper is a sophisticated airframe and it requires an
elevated level of care and comprehension,” Adam said.
In addition to avionics, aircraft mechanics are also
on hand to ensure troops in the field have the support they require should the
need arise.
“Unlike other aircraft, Reaper aircraft mechanics not
only take care of the airframe, but the engine as well,” said Tech Sgt. Jacob.
“With fighter aircraft, they have a dedicated engine shop, but we became an
all-in-one shop for this specific airframe.”
Comprised of approximately 100 active duty and National
Guard and Airmen, the 451 EAMXS acts as a melting pot where Airmen from various
facets of the Reaper community come together and function as a cohesive unit.
“I’m a guard guy,” Jacob said. “But I haven’t found it
challenging to blend with a group of primarily active duty maintainers because
they know what they’re doing, I know what I’m doing, and at the end of the day
we’re all here to accomplish the same goal.”
Adam echoed his colleague’s sentiments.
“Working with guard and reserve Airmen makes things
more interesting,” he said. “It adds a different level of experience to the
group and brings new perspectives to the equation. When I leave here I will
take information I’ve learned from our guard Airmen back to my home unit and
that’s how we become more knowledgeable as an organization.”
Jacob on his first deployment, and Adam on his third,
volunteered their time to fulfil the Reaper mission in Afghanistan.
“I volunteered for this deployment,” Jacob said. “There
are Airmen who are on their third and fourth deployments to Afghanistan and I
decided this was an opportunity to share the load and gain some valuable
experience.”
Adam, having already served the required tour length
for his deployment, chose to double his time in country by extending.
“I’ve worked this mission every time I’ve come to
Kandahar,” he said. “It’s been interesting to see the aspects of our assignment
that change and the ones that stay the same firsthand. It’s such a learning experience being out
here and I’ve worked with the best people I’ve ever known. I would never want
to give that up.”
As evidenced by their willingness to serve, purpose is
not something 451 EAMXS Airmen struggle to find at Kandahar.
“I think anytime we can potentially protect American
lives by simply not sending a pilot up in an aircraft, it’s beneficial to us as
an Air Force,” Adam said. “We are able to alleviate the strain placed on other
aircraft and also support ground troops. We’re accomplishing the mission every
time we protect an American life and that gives me satisfaction.”