Local leaders look closer at maintenance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Travis honorary commanders toured the 60th Maintenance Group July 25 as part of their quarterly group tour to gain a better understanding of the Air Force's mission at Travis Air Force Base.

The honorary commander program is designed to integrate civic leaders from the local community into the military for a two-year term. The partnership is mutually beneficial, as both civilians and Airmen gain a better understanding of the others' role.

"These tours have given the civilian community a great understanding of what goes on here at Travis," said Brenda Knight, 70th Air Refueling Squadron honorary commander. "Being able to witness the Travis mission first hand has allowed me to share my experiences with other members of the community."

The tour began with a mission brief by Col. Mark Weber, 60th MXG commander, as he laid out the overall mission of the group and gave the honorary commanders insight on what they would see throughout the day.

After the briefing, the honorary commanders visited the C-5 Galaxy support equipment shop to view how maintainers check out and retain equipment needed for their mission.

"This was a great opportunity to showcase the complex job we have in the maintenance world," said Senior Airman Joanne Enriquez, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron technical order distribution officer.

The tour also included an in-depth look into the Aerial Port operations, which is Air Mobility Command's primary West Coast aerial port. The squadron supports seven Air Force major commands, the Department of Homeland Security and all Department of Defense's air transportation needs.

"Not many people outside of the gates of Travis know how much equipment and supplies come through Travis on a daily basis," Knight said. "It is truly unbelievable to see how dedicated and professional these men and women truly are."

The honorary commanders also got a chance to walk through and tour a C-5 Galaxy, the Air Force's largest aircraft.

The last unit visited on the tour was the 60th Maintenance Squadron, where the honorary commanders got a chance to see nondestructive inspections, structural maintenance and metals technology.

The tour was not only beneficial for the honorary commanders, but also for many of the Airmen who led the tour and gave briefings throughout the day.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to be a bridge between the military and civilians to paint a detailed picture on what goes on here at Travis," said Tech. Sgt. Aron Van Hyning, 60th MXS aircraft structural maintenance craftsman. "We love our jobs and enjoy putting our work on display to people who don't see this every day."
The 60th MXG tour was the second of four tours scheduled this year. The honorary commanders previously visited the 60th Medical Group and will soon visit both the 60th Operations Group and 60th Mission Support Group later this year.