Aircrew flight equipment journeyman ensures safety for others

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii --  An Alaskan Airman ensures the safety of pilots while participating in Cope Tiger in Thailand and Sentry Aloha here this month.

Aircrew Flight Equipment journeyman, Senior Airman Kenny Moylan of the 19th Fighter Squadron takes pride in making sure pilots and incentive fliers are prepared and taken care of before they fly.

"Our goal while we're here in Hawaii is to get as many incentive flyers as we can and ensure the pilot's equipment is good to go," said Airman Moylan.

The squadron was in Hawaii because Alaska's winter weather prevents them from conducting incentive flights as well as vital training over water.

Airman Moylan is responsible for ensuring that helmets, masks, oxygen tanks, life rafts, G-suits, parachutes and harnesses work correctly in case the equipment is needed for an emergency.

"My job is very important because I'm pretty much the last person to check the pilot's gear for safety," said Airman Moylan. "If they have an emergency, then my equipment comes into play and I want them to land safely."

Airman Moylan, from St. Helens, Oregon, joined the U.S. Air Force to see the world and experience leadership opportunities. This is his first temporary duty assignment.

"This is my first TDY and it gave me the opportunity to learn new things and set me up for being a shift leader in the future," said Airman Moylan. "My supervision has a lot of trust in me and it means a lot to have their trust."

The 19th Fighter Squadron is scheduled to close down operations beginning April 1, 2010, as part of the 2010 Fiscal Year Fighter Restructure Plan. Elmendorf Air Force Base also has an F-22 Raptor squadron.

"I wish the 19th Fighter Squadron wasn't closing because I'm going to miss the people, the pilots and other maintainers are really great," said Airman Moylan.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of change though because when I move on I will learn a lot of new things," said Airman Moylan. "I may work on the F-22 or move onto the 'heavies', (cargo aircraft) which are totally different from the fighters because they have more flotation devices and other equipment."

One thing that remains constant is the young journeyman's pride in whatever job he'll take on next.

"I have a 100 percent pride in my job because if I mess up, it's someone's life," said Airman Moylan.