WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Maintenance Group works tirelessly on the ground to keep our planes operational in the air.
To build upon the skills and experiences that they utilize on a daily basis, the 445th Maintenance Squadron and the 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have coordinated with the 445th Operations Support Squadron and implemented a program that not only offers Airmen the opportunity to expand their knowledge but rewards their hard work and dedication.
Airmen are given the opportunity to observe the impact of their work on the aircraft after they leave the ground.
Recently, the group rolled out a program called Flight Characteristics Familiarization Training. This training takes deserving airmen and gives them a chance to participate in a flight, getting into the air and learning more about how their jobs impact the operational aspect of the 445th mission while interfacing with Airmen from operations in the process.
“This was a way to get some of our younger Airmen involved and show them how our mission feeds into the rest of the bigger picture,” said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel R. Porta, the 445th Maintenance Group superintendent. “It’s also an opportunity for operations and maintenance to work together, gaining insight into each other’s valuable role in the wing’s mission.”
The program allows Airmen from maintenance and operations to trade perspectives, providing valuable insight into the overall wing mission and building unit cohesion. It also gives airmen the opportunity to have new and exciting experiences. The feedback from airmen that have participated in the training has been overwhelmingly positive.
“This was my first time going up in one of our aircraft,” said Senior Airman Molly A. Hageman, a crew chief with the 445th MXS. “It was great to see how the whole process comes together and to be able to know that everything you are doing is putting forth the effort needed to keep our aircraft in the air. On top of that, it was a lot of fun.”
The 445th Maintenance Group has been able to combine training and incentives in a way that enhances their squadrons’ capabilities and the individual knowledge of their Airmen.
The maintenance group’s Flight Characteristics Familiarization Training Program is another way that the leadership is building upon the foundation of the wing mission and making a positive impact on its Airmen.
“Airmen don’t always get to see the final product of their work,” said Porta. “We want our Airmen to be able to see why they do what they do because it motivates them to take charge. At the end of the day, ownership breeds leadership.”