Vandenberg senior NCO, Sonora native, leads civil engineer section for water, fuels system maintenance

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Master Sgt. Collin Adams is the NCO in charge of the 380th Expeditionary Civil...... read more read more

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Master Sgt. Collin Adams is the NCO in charge of the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuels systems maintenance section at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. He is deployed from the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 380th ECES, as part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.05.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

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SOUTHWEST ASIA -- If there are two things that keep a deployed mission going, its water and fuel. For Master Sgt. Collin Adams and the rest of the Airmen working in the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuels systems maintenance section, they know that better than anyone.

"Our mission is to fly, fight and win so without fuel for the aircraft, we can't fly," Adams said. "Water is necessary to sustain life -- not just water but clean water. Our section ensures water production and distribution to maintain sanitary field conditions as well as water for food preparation. Without water and the removal of waste, disease and sickness most likely would prevail and we would be unable to fight or win."

Adams is the NCO in charge of the 380th ECES water and fuels systems maintenance section at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. He is deployed from the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. A career utilities Airman, Adams said his section of civil engineers keeps a pretty busy deployment schedule.

"My section installs, repairs and maintains all base water distribution systems and sewer collection systems to include pumps, valves, tanks, hydrants and piping," said Adams, whose hometown is Sonora, Calif.

"We also perform as typical plumbers whereas we maintain all interior facility plumbing as well," he said. "Similarly, we also maintain and repair liquid fuels systems. This includes all airfield fuel hydrants, piping, pumps, truck fill stands and any system of which delivers fuel to the airfield."

CE utilities Airmen like Adams have to be able to solve complex maintenance problems by studying as-built and schematic drawings, layout drawings, schematic drawings for wiring and by analyzing construction and operating characteristics, their Air Force specialty job description shows. They also develop and establish operation and maintenance procedures to ensure maximum efficiency of the systems they manage.

Their job also requires mandatory knowledge of nomenclature, types, sizes and uses of plumbing materials such as pipes, valves, fittings, metals, caulking, packing and gaskets. Additional knowledge is required in shop mathematics, reading and interpreting drawings and specifications, understanding contingency water and wastewater operations; maintenance of water and waste collection systems, corrosion prevention and environmental regulations.

Despite all the technical aspects of his work, Adams said he decided he is happy with his career choice to join the Air Force 13 years ago.

"I'm happy to be here and proud to serve," Adams said. "As with most youth, I wanted to fly jets in the Air Force when I was young. That dream faded over time and upon graduation of high school I realized I wanted to be a part of the California Highway Patrol. Too young to join the academy at the time, I decided to join the Air Force and receive experience as a security policeman for four years, then get out and attend the academy."

Adams said he enjoyed the work, camaraderie and pride gained from being a member of the Air Force. "So I remained," he said. "It's a great institution where you own your career, your desire and initiative is what allows you to excel."

The master sergeant also said the deployed environment offers a team-building opportunity for all deployed Airmen -- including those in his section.

"A deployed environment is a much closer knit community than while residing at home station," Adams said. "There are many more opportunities to get to know your peers and network together to accomplish the mission."

The 380th ECES is a part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, E-3 Sentry, U-2 Dragonlady and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.