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Jets fly when AGE finishes job

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jasmine Reif
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Day or night, rain or extreme sunshine, the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment Flight gets the job done. It is a technical, tough job and Airmen in AGE must be ready.

"When it rains, they get wet," said Master Sgt. Michael Miklas, 56th EMS AGE Flight production superintendent, speaking about the Airmen at the south AGE shop, which is located outside under an overhang.

The AGE flight is currently split between two locations: north AGE and south AGE. Despite an extreme work environment with hot concrete, grease, dirt and summertime temperatures above 115 degrees, most the of Airmen enjoy working at the outdoor south AGE shop.

"Although the work conditions are less than ideal, the camaraderie between Airmen and NCOs at south AGE creates an atmosphere where everyone's voice is heard, and opinions are valued," said Staff Sgt. Stanley Shields, 56th EMS AGE craftsman.

Specializing in heating and air conditioning, hydraulics and even electronics, the 145 Airmen and civilian mechanics work on a wide range of equipment to include engines, flood lights, bomb lifts and hydraulic test stands.

"When the need arises, we support many areas of the base in addition to the flightline," said Staff Sgt. Brent Fournier, 56th EMS AGE journeyman. "When the radar system air conditioning fails or there is a power outage at night, who gets the call? Definitely not the ghost busters; we get the call and fix the problem."

People on base and in the local community see the jets flying every day and might not have a full appreciation for all the work it takes to get them off the ground. The AGE mechanics consider themselves "jacks of all trades" and are responsible for the distribution and maintenance of all necessary equipment used to support the Luke mission every day, to include scheduled inspections and delivery of equipment directly to aircraft if needed.

"AGE mechanics are typically the unsung heroes of fightline maintenance, because they don't work directly on the aircraft; however, there is real truth behind the saying 'there is no airpower without ground power,'" said Chief Master Sgt. Norman Peck, 56th EMS AGE flight chief. "With 113 out of 121 Airmen scoring an 80 or above on their fitness tests we are a fit-to-fight flight that does a great job day-in and day-out."

The Airmen are expected to work hard during their shifts, and a high value is placed on the opinions of everyone who work there to help create an environment of efficiency and motivation. Senior Airman Dwight Randall, 56th EMS AGE Journeyman, explained that even though he is only a senior airman, he feels comfortable and confident in approaching his leadership with thoughts and ideas. He knows his opinion will be taken seriously and not dismissed as complaining.

In addition, a focus on attention to detail and hard work has rubbed off on the Airmen who appreciate the importance of the job they do.

"I've been doing AGE for two years and think this job is very important," said Senior Airman Corey Carpenter, 56th EMS AGE journeyman. "If we don't finish our jobs then jets don't get off the ground. It's hard to explain everything we do, and it would be great if people could see first-hand the role we play in accomplishing the mission."