Air Force NCO keeps airfield ground operations running smoothly, safely

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charma Thurmond, a Gainesville, Ga., native, deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is assigned to the 387th Air Expeditionary Group at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Mollie Robinson/Released)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.08.2010

Courtesy Story

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

Airfields are typically a flurry of activity with aircraft taxiing, ground personnel operating cargo handling and refueling equipment, as well as ground marshals directing aircraft parking and movement. Airfield managers have an array of duties, ultimately orchestrating the circus of activity to ensure a safe airfield environment.

One such airfield manager is U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charma Thurmond, assigned to the 387th Air Expeditionary Group at an undisclosed airfield here. Some of her duties entail inspecting aircraft operating areas within the airfield environment to ensure aircraft have proper space and surfaces to safely move around on the airfield.

"Part of my job includes a daily inspection of the pavement used for aircraft taxiing, towing and parking," said the Gainesville, Ga. native, deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. "I also ensure the aircraft using these areas have the appropriate clearances they need to operate safely."

Without an airfield manager's thorough daily inspections of parking aprons, taxiways and runways, aircraft engines could be subjected to small objects such as rocks and debris that could be ingested in an engine potentially causing extensive damage, known as foreign object damage.

"I don't think most people understand how many agencies we coordinate with in order to keep the continuous flow of air traffic on the airfield environment operating smoothly," she said. "I check the airfield environment and coordinate with the civil engineer squadron for things such as pavement repairs. Without daily inspections, we would be unable to provide a safe operating environment for the aircraft here which could lead to millions of dollars in damage due to FOD."

Aside from the daily airfield inspections, a typical day on the job for the 11-year veteran involves a number of administrative and training duties.

"I attend meetings on current and future projects that will affect the airfield and I prepare daily airfield status slides for the commander," said Thurmond. "Lastly, I provide airfield drivers training for personnel who need airfield access to service aircraft or perform other duties on the airfield."

Thurmond said she finds her job enjoyable, rewarding and challenging.

"I really enjoy being out on the airfield finding discrepancies, and then working with the appropriate agency to get them corrected," she said. "This gives me a sense of accomplishment. The most challenging part of this job is not always being able to get the repairs completed straight away, due to the cost of the project[s]."

To be a successful airfield manager, Thurmond said keeping a positive attitude is key as well as not losing focus on the mission.

"I think it takes a 'can-do' attitude to continuously press forward, to work with what you have available, and to never lose sight of the big picture," she said. "In other words, never give up, always give and do your best to keep the mission going."

Her current deployment here is the NCO's third in her career. She said this assignment is different in many ways than her previous deployments and it demands more of her time than the previous two.

"The biggest difference is that here I am filling a 'one man' deep slot, whereas normally there would be at least five to six people doing what I'm doing here."

Despite manning and other challenges, Thurmond is proud to fulfill her duty as an expeditionary Airman and contribute her talents to the fight.

"I signed up to serve my country and sometimes that means leaving my home and my family to help others in need," she said. "I am proud to be able to contribute to the success of the mission."

• Date Taken: 04.08.2010
• Date Posted: 04.08.2010 07:51
• Story ID: 47837
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)