Versatility essential to AGE

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  While looking out the window of an aircraft, there are many support functions that can be seen in action. There are maintainers pull chalks and marshalling the aircraft, while the aircrew performs walk around inspections.
Seldom noticed, however, are all the pieces of support equipment involved in the process.
From the durable power carts and hulking air condition units to the reliable maintenance stands and trusty light carts, it's all cared for by a specialized and dedicated group of maintainers.
"The 60th Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment shop is responsible for all that equipment you see that supports the aircraft out there. That includes all equipment that is powered and non-powered," said Tech. Sgt. Jimmie Stevens, 60th MXS noncommissioned officer in charge of production support. "We are responsible for 672 pieces of AGE on base; including power carts, compressors, stands and many others."
Because of the varying functions of the pieces of AGE, the maintainers who take care of them are required to be very versatile in their expertise.
"AGE encompasses everything so we have to be proficient in performing heavy maintenance as well as troubleshooting," said Senior Airman Joshua Campbell, 60th MXS AGE journeyman. "Among the skills required is extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, air conditioning, heating, hydraulic, generation and nitrogen systems."
Another reason AGE mechanics must be skilled in every aspect of their equipment is their shop is split into three sections. There is a servicing section, an inspection and repair section and a production control section.
The servicing section is what most Airmen are familiar with when they think of AGE, due to its aircraft presence. While in the servicing section, AGE technicians tow equipment to aircraft spots as well as perform on-the-spot troubleshooting and repairs, said Airmen Campbell.
"Most people think we just drive around the flightline," said Airman Campbell. "When something breaks, there are more than 35 people back in the inspection and repair section who will fix it."
In the inspection and repair section, AGE mechanics perform any periodic inspections and maintenance required on the equipment. All heavy maintenance and major repairs take place in this section.
"The AGE shop has a 93 percent in-commission rate with our equipment at Travis," said Sergeant Stevens. "The inspection and repair section performs maintenance on more than 40 pieces of equipment per week."
While performing required maintenance, a technician may need special tools or calibrated test equipment to finish the job. It is the production control section's duty to control these tools and equipment.
Production control is also responsible for maintaining the shops programs, performing scheduling and supply functions.
"There is definitely a lot more to the job than just bringing a power cart out to the plane," said Airmen Campbell. "We need to support the whole flightline so the maintainers out there can support the aircraft and the Travis mission can keep moving foward."