Airmen and civilians assigned to the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron work together to remove and repair aircraft parts at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 27, 2012. Airmen assigned to the squadron’s electrical and environmental shop depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Dill, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental journeyman, steadies a slip ring prior to removing it from the body of an aircraft at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 27, 2012. Airmen assigned to the squadron’s E&E shop depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Tyler Crone and Michael Dill, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental journeymen, collaborate to remove and repair an aircraft slip ring at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 27, 2012. Airmen assigned to the squadron’s E&E shop depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Dill, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental journeyman, works to remove and repair aircraft parts at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 27, 2012. Airmen assigned to the squadron’s E&E shop depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
An Airman assigned to the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron settles into a comfortable position while working to remove and repair aircraft parts at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 27, 2012. Airmen assigned to the squadron’s electrical and environmental shop depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
Countless wires lay exposed and ready for repair at the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 27, 2012. Airmen assigned to the squadron’s electrical and environmental shop depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Dill, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental journeyman, pulls a slip ring from the body of an aircraft at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 27, 2012. Airmen assigned to the squadron’s E&E shop depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
by Airman 1st Class Xavier Lockley
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
12/10/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Highly motivated, highly dedicated, hardcore and ready for war - with practiced hands and the precision of mechanics twice their age, Air Commandos with the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental shop are charged with the responsibility of ensuring the CV-22 Osprey is mission-ready 365 days a year.
Working side-by-side in comfortable silence, it's apparent these Airmen depend on the competence and precision of their wingmen while performing maintenance on the multimillion-dollar CV-22 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.
"Most of the jobs on these aircraft require two men," said Senior Master Sgt. Jaime Beggs, 727 SOAMXS superintendent. "They are able to communicate without words because they know their jobs, the aircraft and how people work."
"Teamwork is very important," he said. "If your wingman isn't feeling confident about something, it's his responsibility to communicate that to his teammate. If he isn't 100 percent, issues could occur."
When working with aircraft, attention to detail is critical to the success of a mission.
"Small elements, like tightening a screw, make a big difference in how a plane operates afterwards," Dill said. "With so many electronic components and harnesses to maintain, being detail-oriented is key."
In order to instill the discipline necessary to maintain constant vigilance while on duty, members of the 727 SOAMXS follow specific technical orders and procedures.
"Our people are so successful because of their strict adherence to guidelines," Beggs said. "We have a hands-on approach that enables Airmen to effectively contribute to the mission."
The unwavering commitment to excellence displayed by Airmen of the 727 SOAMXS keeps the Osprey airborne and allows Cannon's Air Commandos to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.
