Vehicle Maintainers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wes Jones
  • 117th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --  This shop sits on the hill, out of sight and out of mind from most of the airmen below. However, the airmen inside are responsible for keeping every single vehicle moving. The 117th Vehicle Maintenance Flight refers to themselves as "Vehicle Maintainers."

With the sun beating down on a mid-June afternoon, the maintenance crew was busy repairing a security forces vehicle, an asset extremely important in maintaining overall safety on base. It's not just vehicles, it's anything with wheels, according to Chief Master Sgt. Ricky Largent.

"Our team members gain a lot of hands-on experience working on so many different vehicles. We are responsible for everything... from forklifts, fuel trucks, sweepers, even K-Loaders," said Largent.

Look closely and you'll find a diverse background of airmen who all share a common bond of mechanical knowledge. They all come from different backgrounds and levels of experience. Some of them even have the opportunity to work full-time here on the base. And the shop is growing. Airman 1st Class Zachary Temple just returned from basic training and is awaiting his technical school dates.

"I'm excited and ready to get started," said Temple. "I've always had an interest in engines and breaking them down and rebuilding them which is why I think this is a good fit."

After 30 years of military service, Largent has trained many airmen in this field and is excited about the future of this shop. The flight is always looking for motivated individuals ready to join the cause.

"All they need is a willingness to join and a good attitude," said Largent.