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    FEST-M engineers lock onto targets during UAV tour

    FEST-M engineers lock onto targets during UAV tour

    Photo By Mark Abueg | Members of the 579th Engineer Detachment toured unmanned and manned planes that...... read more read more

    KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

    07.18.2010

    Story by Mark Abueg 

    579th Engineer Detachment (FEST-M)

    KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – There were no trains and there were no automobiles anywhere in sight. But a group of Army engineers stationed in Afghanistan got up close and personal with plenty of planes during a recent Air Force tour.

    Members of the 579th Engineer Detachment (Forward Engineer Support Team - Main) were on cloud nine yesterday as they visited the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron facilities here to learn about the many types of aircraft used within the airspace of Afghanistan.

    Among the planes they toured were two unmanned aerial vehicles, including the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.

    Roman Bieniek, FEST-M mechanical engineer, seemed very impressed by the drones as he studied over the machinery during the walkthrough.

    “It’s kind of overwhelming,” he said. “The technology is amazing and it only seems to be getting better.”

    One of the unique capabilities of the UAV is that it can be up in the sky in Afghanistan while piloted from anywhere around the world whether it’s in the United States or somewhere else overseas.

    “This technology really is a great way to keep our pilots safe there while protecting our people safe here,” Bieniek continued.

    The highlight of the day was the A-10C Thunderbolt II as everyone got the chance to sit in the cockpit of the jet, which provides close-air support capabilities. The engineers received first-hand instruction on the many components of the jet’s instrument panel, but it was more about just being able to experience being inside of the A-10.

    “Look at it,” said Purvis Eldridge, FEST-M civil engineer. “It’s awesome. I’ve never been in one. I’ll never get this chance again probably. The warfighters are taking the fight to the air. The different ways they use manned and unmanned planes is pretty amazing.”

    Being on Kandahar Air Field allows the engineers to see aircraft come and go each day and night, so the chance to get hands-on with them was an unforgettable experience.

    “I’ve been seeing them from afar every night since I’ve been here, so to actually come out here and see them is awesome,” said Sam Stacy, FEST-M public works engineer.

    When asked how it compares to his own job.

    “My job is exciting and I love what I do,” Stacy said. “But I would love to do this too.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.18.2010
    Date Posted: 11.10.2010 09:39
    Story ID: 59819
    Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF

    Web Views: 26
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN