305th Maintenance Squadron validates new KC-46 capabilities

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Rodney Alston III, 305th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs wheel maintenance at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Aug. 26, 2022. Crew Chiefs in the Wheel and Tire Section of 305 MXS are validating their local ability to breakdown and build-up tire assemblies for the KC-46's main landing gear and nose landing gear. At the beginning of August 2022, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center authorized Main Operating Bases to stand up organic tire change capability. A four member team consisting of Crew Chiefs, Sheet Metal, and Nondestructive Inspection went to Altus Air Force Base for initial training and familiarization. By validating local ability to breakdown and build-up tire assemblies for the KC-46, the 305th MXS brings a new capability to JB MDL and will be able to improve support for the KC-46 throughout the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matt Porter)