JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- The 305th Air Mobility Wing’s C-17 Globemaster III fleet at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst delivers Rapid Global Mobility to the U.S. and its allies throughout the world.
Constant support of missions can take a heavy toll on the aircraft. Fortunately, servicemembers with the 305th Maintenance Squadron work around the clock to ensure the upkeep of the C-17 Globemaster III’s stationed here.
“These aircraft are constantly flying and doing missions,” said Airman 1st Class Derek Powell, 305th MXS crew chief. “We have to make sure the aircraft are always mission capable and safe for the crew.”
The 305th MXS completes a front-to-back maintenance process on a C-17 Globemaster III every 120 days. During the maintenance, every part is prudently inspected as the maintainers take the aircraft apart, piece by piece. Faulty parts are replaced and the aircraft is reassembled and made ready to get back into the fight and safely resume the mission. As one aircraft leaves, the next is brought in.
“This inspection section is a vital piece to the big picture,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Baydal, 305th MXS maintenance section dock controller. “There are certain maintenance practices and jobs that cannot be performed anywhere else but in this section. Without us, the C-17 fleet at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst could not fly.”
The MXS team bears the responsibility as a team, with active duty and reserve Airmen working side-by-side with civilian employees.
“We have a wealth of knowledge and experience; if something is wrong, somebody here knows how to fix it,” said Baydal. “It’s a total force environment in the maintenance section.”
For the Airmen, shifts can last up to 12 hours or longer. Rapid global mobility never sleeps and the constant flow of incoming aircraft can yield little break time. But, the maintainers say the pride they take in their work and the importance of their performance makes the job worth it.
“I love what I do; I’m excited to get to work and I’m planning ahead,” said Powell. “When you see that airplane in the sky, and know you had a part in it, there’s nothing like it.”