Group keeps track of squadron tools

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — In the world of special operations, numerous types of aircraft, from gunship to cargo, are utilized daily. To keep these planes in the sky and in the fight, the maintenance of these crafts is especially important.

U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Jette Carr

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Machak, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron tool shop, uses a dremel to cut metal into bin dividers at Cannon Air Force Base. The tool shop keeps inventory and maintains equipment used to repair aircraft.

Tucked away in most squadrons is a flight little known to those outside the maintenance community — the tool shop. This group of Air Commandos works around the clock, signing out, calibrating and keeping inventory of the necessary tools for the repair of their assigned aircraft.

"No tools equals no work," said Master Sgt. Michael David, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "We make sure the equipment is serviceable and ready to use for flightline maintenance. We are also a crucial part of tool control, which prevents aircraft foreign object debris and safeguards Air Force resources."

U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Jette Carr

Air Commandos sign out and return equipment to the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron tool shop at Cannon Air Force Base.

Each maintainer is given an employee ID which they can use to check out tools under their name. This helps tool shop Airmen keep an accurate inventory. If a wrench gets left in the body of a plane, this inventory keeps everyone accountable and gives an indication that it needs to be searched for.

This simple step can save the Air Force millions of dollars by preventing aircraft damage from possible FOD or abandoned equipment moving in flight, said Airman 1st Class Luis Espinosa, 727 SOAMXS support specialist.

"If there is damage because of a lost tool and something has to be replaced, it can also mean time down on an aircraft that could be mission critical," he said.

Keeping the mission running smoothly is part of the shop's job as they provide equipment in a consolidated area where each tool can be inspected, maintained and tracked, said David. Each Air Commando in the shop has a background in some area of maintenance, from crew chiefs to a radio troops. This gives them the upper hand because they know what's needed to get the job done and do it right.