TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
The F-22 Raptor is one of the most feared fighter aircraft and is
known for projecting air dominance. Without Tyndall’s maintenance
professionals, the fighter wing mission may be hindered.
Senior Airman Curtis Lampert, a 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron
firefighting and refueling vehicle equipment maintenance journeyman, conducts
repairs on 56 fire protection and refueling vehicles that are vital in
projecting unrivaled combat airpower and keeping the Raptors in the skies.
Lampert had the opportunity to show Col. Michael Hernandez,
325th Fighter Wing commander, what his job entails on a daily basis, thanks to
the Airman Shadow program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 7, 2017.
The program is a 325th FW commander initiative designed to
highlight Team Tyndall Airmen, allowing exemplary Airmen the opportunity to
show the wing commander what their daily duties entail.
Lampert was chosen by his leadership to showcase his job and
its duties to the commander due to his work ethic, motivation and dedication to
the mission.
“His dedication to the mission is second to none, and his
success is due in large part to his internal motivation that sets him apart
from his peers,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Terrill, 325th LRS fire truck and
refueling maintenance NCO in-charge.
Lampert maintains the refueling vehicles and fire protection
assets that directly enable mission accomplishment and the protection of
personnel, aircraft, facilities and base resources.
During his time being shadowed by Col. Hernandez, Lampert went
over and demonstrated safety tips, and explained that they would be changing
out filters within an R-11 refueling truck.
“We changed the filter elements on an R-11,” Lampert said.
“They filter out the contaminants from the fuel, and keep the water out to make
sure they’re putting clean fuel into the jets.”
Lampert described the experience of working alongside the
commander as both “great” and “unique.” He commends the commander for getting
into the lower levels of the enlisted force and seeing exactly how aspects of
the 325th FW get it done.
“Working with Col. Hernandez has reinvigorated my outlook
toward the mission,” Lampert said. “Coming down and shadowing an Airman while wanting
to know what it is they do and how they help the mission definitely speaks
wonders.”