Maintenance makes the mission happen

Photo By 1st Lt. Richard Longoria | Maintenance personnel from the E-3A Component take a close look at the rotodome on a NATO AWACS while deployed to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va., for COMPTUEX.  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

01.17.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Longoria 

NATO E-3A Component

NORFOLK, Va. - Two E-3As left NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, on Jan. 12, 2015, destined for Norfolk, Virginia, so the E-3A Component could participate in COMPTUEX, or Composite Training Unit Exercise.

This live, scenario-driven tactical exercise replicates conditions in a forward theater and gives the component an opportunity to conduct effective maritime integration with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. However, it was almost a lost opportunity for the NATO AWACS. During the trans-Atlantic flight, one jet was diverted to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, due to weather and the other landed in Norfolk with a cracked window.

"If it wasn't for maintenance, the jets would just be sitting on the ramp broken and the operational mission would be cancelled," said Chief Master Sgt. Rudi Slot, the deployed logistics officer. "We do our part, so they can do theirs."

Both issues created unique challenges for the component but the deployed maintenance crew worked relentlessly to get both aircraft fully mission capable and on station for the start of the exercise. One specific issue was the need for a rare part that the maintenance crew didn't have readily available.

"The deployed team had to reach back to Geilenkirchen to get the window shipped to Norfolk," said Staff Sgt. Amelia Granados, the supply liaison. "We received exceptional support from the component's supply squadron."

Chief Slot added these jets require detailed maintenance on a daily basis even when they are deployed from the main operating base. In addition, the daily flying schedule is an added burden for the crew chiefs.

"It is tough at times due to the limited equipment and manpower we have while deployed," he explained. "We just have to buckled down and concentrate our efforts to ensure the jets are mission ready."

Thanks to the effort of all maintainers, crew chiefs and support personnel, both NATO AWACS aircraft were up and running by Jan. 16 to meet the demands and objectives of COMPTUEX.

"With their hard work and dedication, the component has been able to utilize this opportunity and our aircrew is gaining valuable experience while training with the U.S. Navy," said Maj. Marie Quick, the exercise's deployment commander.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2015
• Date Posted: 02.04.2015 03:07
• Story ID: 153463
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US