931st maintainers in Turkey

  • Published
  • By Connor Burkhard
  • 931st Air Refueing Group Public Affairs
Airmen from the 931st Aircraft Maintainenance Squadron deployed to Turkey on June 28 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tech. Sgt. Ed Cropper, the squadron's unit deployment manager, said more than 35 AMXS Airmen were scheduled to support operations in Turkey this summer.  The first of three personnel rotations left June 28.

This deployment will be similar to the unit's past deployments to Turkey in 2003, 2005 and 2007, when members also deployed in support of OIF/OEF.

"Because we are a non-equipped unit, we are supplementing all the units involved," Sergeant Cropper said. Leading the deployment is 459th Air Refueling Wing from Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

The deployed force consists of both air reserve technicians and traditional reservists who will be away from home anywhere from 15 to 45 days. Members work 12-hour shifts with rotating days off, generally two days working followed by one day off, Sergeant Cropper said.

Staff Sgt. Dave Vogel, 931st AMXS integrated flight control systems specialist, is well aware of the time involved.  He deployed to Turkey in 2007 for 15 days.

"I supported launches on the night shift," Sergeant Vogel said. "We worked 12 hour shifts, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m."

While duties performed will benefit all members involved, Sergeant Cropper said the deployment will be especially beneficial for the traditional reservists.

"A large part of the force deploying is ARTs, but the TRs will get a chance to participate in day-to-day operations," Sergeant Cropper said. "They get to see the operations side of maintenance. It will be more than the typical (unit training assembly)."

Besides performing their assigned work duties, deployed members in the past have had time to do volunteer work. When the 931st deployed to Turkey last year, they used some of their off-duty time to volunteer for organizations in the local community.

"We did work in the community," Staff Sgt. Adam Keeter, 913th AMXS crew chief. "We did volunteer work for local organizations that were associated with the base." Sergeant Keeter deployed to Turkey for 15 days in 2007.

Even though the 931st members deploying to Turkey will spend long hours working, they do have the opportunity to enjoy leisure activities off and on base.

Off-base shopping opportunities are an activity enjoyed by many who deploy to Turkey.

"Shopping at the Alley was good," Sergeant Keeter said. "I bought a couple rugs."

Sergeant Vogel also enjoyed shopping at the Alley. However, he also liked to spend some of his off-duty time on base.

"The facilities on base are nice," Sergeant Vogel said. "They have a BX, commissary, theater and pool. And the food at the chow hall was great - four meals a day, all you can eat."

Some of the members deploying this time around have already been deployed to Turkey, like Sergeant Vogel, who says he is eager to go back.

"I am looking forward to supporting Andrews," he said, "and just touching base with some of the local people I met there."