In the Air Force, deployments can often be a time when existing skills are sharpened or new skills are learned. For Staff Sgt. Dvonte Washburn, his assignment at Al Dhafra Air Base has been a bit of both.
An Air Force Reservist assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, he served as a maintenance management production specialist during his eight years on active duty in the Air Force. He’s also served in the same capacity in the nearly two years since he transitioned to the Air Force Reserve. During all that time, he worked in support of weapon systems and munitions. At Al Dhafra, he is the base engine manager.
“There’s diversity in our fleet here,” explained Washburn. “So, we are managing not just one air frame, but tracking what’s happening with different engines and different aircraft.”
As the base engine manager, Washburn is tracking how many hours are logged on all aircraft engines on the base and when thy are coming up on required maintenance tasks. Several different types of aircraft, including KC-10 Extenders, E-3 Sentries and others are assigned to ADAB.
As Washburn and the two Airmen who work in his section keep tabs on the engines, they then work with fellow Airmen in the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group to ensure that required tasks get assigned to maintainers.
“Staff Sgt. Washburn is a true go-getter,” said Master Sgt. Shannon Zachary, first sergeant for the 380th MXG. “In addition to his regular duties, he has volunteered for room inspections, clean-ups, CDDAR air bag certification and training to support the Air Warfare Center.
Washburn said staying busy and learning new things is his secret to success on his current deployment.
“I like to jump in and get involved,” he said.
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