Maintainers show skills to area leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Honorary commanders were afforded the opportunity to take a closer look at the mission on Travis through the eyes of maintenance Airmen Friday during a tour of the 60th Maintenance Group.

The honorary commander program is an opportunity for community leaders to pair up with base leadership in order to gain a mutual understanding of each other's mission to ultimately increase support and rapport.

The 18 honorary commanders who participated took an in-depth tour of the C-5 Galaxy Support Equipment shop, 60th Aerial Port Squadron warehouse, a C-5 Galaxy static display and the 60th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight.

For one honorary commander, the most interesting part of the tour was not just the locations visited, but the ability and manpower which keeps them running.

"I thought the initiative and problem solving displayed by several of the Airmen was incredibly impressive," said Michelle Myska, 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron honorary commander.

Many of the subsection shops on the tour were able to brief about their Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century and showcase how they work smarter and save money.

"I noticed when parts became hard to find, Airmen would make their own," Myska said. "If the part became extremely expensive, Airmen would fabricate their own. It's amazing."

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Crow-Roberts, 60th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance craftsman, provided the honorary commanders with information regarding his area of expertise - the corrosion control facility.

"I was able to give a small picture of our processes, equipment and materials used to keep our airframes, support equipment and Travis assets running smoothly by extending their service life for years to come," he said.

It's important for Airmen to get the opportunity to showcase professionalism and expertise to the community, Crow-Roberts said. Talking about the day-in and day-out mission which serves the community and our nation removes myths, misunderstandings and creates transparency between the base and community.

Myska, owner of All Points Petroleum in Benicia, recognizes the value of being an active community participant in Travis events.

"I think the relationship between Solano County and Travis is critical," she said. "This area may not fully understand the economic, political and security contributions that Travis offers. I have lived in this area for 20 years and have learned more about the base in the last six months than the prior 20."

The Travis honorary commander program will continue to encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key members of the civilian and military community.

"I already knew all Airmen were awesome, but seeing them in action elevated them to a new level," Myska said. "It was awesome to see such a critical portion of the base."