165th Airlift Wing Maintains C-130H in Support of Hurricane Maria

Photo By Master Sgt. Darin Hubble | Master Sgt. Jeremy Hanbey (near), Master Sgt. Brian Achen, (left), and Senior Airman Neil Popham, from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, perform an engine run-up operations check after replacing an engine valve housing on a 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules, Savannah, Ga., Sept. 29, 2017. The 165th AW is serving as a hub and spoke operation for aircraft flying to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands providing vital supplies and personnel needed for relief and recovery efforts. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Darin Hubble)  

SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES

09.30.2017

Story by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Farson 

165th Airlift Wing

The 165th Maintenance Group's task is to ensure their own aircraft, in addition to newly arriving planes from other states, are safe and operational. Their hard work and dedication is paying off as basic necessities are being delivered to people who have been severely affected by the recent natural disasters in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“I like doing the job of helping people,” said Master Sgt. Brian Achen, propulsion mechanic, 165th Maintenance Squadron. “I know a lot of people are struggling now and we are getting them the supplies they need.”

Working on other unit’s aircraft is not something new in the C-130 community. It is common for units to support maintenance requirements of aircraft that break down away from home station. Achen and his team were running engines during an operational check to test airworthiness after performing maintenance on a plane from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard.

“In the C-130 maintenance community, everybody helps each other out depending on where the aircraft is when it breaks,” he said. “Overall they all are the same aircraft.”

In the past week, the maintenance squadron has repaired ten aircraft, ensuring they were fit for flight to deliver aid. They are ready to be called on short notice to fix any maintenance issue when an aircraft is not able to fly.

“I’m just glad I can help and be part of this mission,” Achen said. “I would hope they would do the same for us if we needed it.”

Due to the proficiency and dedication of the maintenance professionals at the 165th Airlift Wing, all planes have been able to make it to their destinations and return without need for maintenance personnel to fly down to fix any problems.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2017
• Date Posted: 09.30.2017 21:54
• Story ID: 250197
• Location: SAVANNAH, GA, US