Keeping ADAB operational all night long
By Tech. Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady, 380th AEW/PA
/ Published March 11, 2019
AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, United Arab Emirates -- Even when the sun vanishes into the horizon, the mission does not stop. In order to provide 24/7 operations at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, 380th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s night shift members provides maintenance inspection to keep the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System in air.
“Even though it’s dark outside, we’re still out there getting the mission done,” said Airman 1st Class Brody Cobb, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental specialist. “Sometimes we have to use flashlights to see what we’re doing but we still get it done. We get a lot of work done and there is plenty of work on our shift.”
Working at night requires members to adjust their schedules and get used to a different pace.
“The pace is a little higher out here,” said Staff Sgt. Jared Purvis, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental specialist technician. “It is my first night deployed working with AWACS at night and it has been good so far. Everyone seems to come out here and get the job done.”
Another reason why they are able to continue performing at a high level is the selfless teamwork they provide each other.
“This is part of the job,” added Purvis. “When we’re out here, everyone is doing everything so we don’t just do our single job when we’re out here. I’m an electrician, but when we’re catching and launching jets we’re all crew chiefs. If we ever need help with anything, everyone is willing to help, and no one is saying ‘that’s not my job.’ That’s the pretty cool part about doing this while we’re deployed is that it increases our camaraderie.”
These night shift Airmen enable the Wing to carry out missions to support the downrange warfighter.
“If we didn’t fix these parts, the planes wouldn’t fly and other aircraft wouldn’t have support in the air,” added Cobb. “It feels good to know I play a role in the mission.”