KABUL, Afghanstian -- Afghan air force Electrical and Radio C-27A maintainers began a four-day class to learn the tools, safety procedures and practical hands-on application of electrical aircraft wiring at Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport, July 7-11.
More than 40 AAF students will complete the course, which certifies them in 14 different core tasks necessary to work on the C-27A.
"This course provides the AAF with a basic understanding of aircraft wiring and helps familiarize the maintainers with components they will be working on," said Master Sgt. Jamie Kuranda, 440th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron C-27A Maintenance advisor. "Some of the students have previous experience and others are new to the electrical or radio career field. This course helps establish a solid foundation for all of them as they work together."
For Sgt. Mohammad Arif, an AAF electrical C-27A maintainer, he enjoys the job and the challenges it provides.
"I really love this job," Arif said. "This course teaches me how I should properly and safely fix aircraft and I look forward to keeping them running to help my country."
Air Force advisors have been training the AAF since 2007 and their end goal is to provide a steady and healthy fleet ready to perform training and operational missions in support of Afghan national security requirements.
Kuranda, a native of Debary, Fla., deployed from the 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, has more than 15 years experience working on C-130, RC-135 and HH-60 aircraft. Additionally, he went to the Air Advisor Academy in New Jersey, and a Flying Crew Chief Course conducted in Florida before deploying on the year-long assignment to the 440th AEAS.
Despite certain challenges with the language barriers and cultural differences, Kuranda hopes his experience and knowledge will provide his students with the tools needed to excel in the AAF.
"My goal is to do my best by making a difference with the Afghans I encounter each day," he said. "We have a level of mutual respect and they appreciate what we are here helping them do.
"The biggest reward for me is working with the AAF maintainers and having them appreciate everything that we do with them, said Kuranda. "It feels good to know that the AAF leadership puts their trust in the training we give them; which means we are doing things right."