Jack setup

Senior Airman Bill McKenzie, a 911th Airlift Wing maintenance squadron aircraft ground equipment technician, secures a wheel to a brand new B-4A 30-ton jack, which will be used to help maintainers work on aircraft, here, July 31, 2012. In order for maintainers to repair some areas of the C-130 Hercules, it must be lifted off the ground, and it takes a total of four B-4A 30-ton jacks to lift one aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua J. Seybert/Released)

Trained and ready

Master Sgt. Jonathan D. Ballinger, a GS-09-2210 Information Technology Specialist (Network Services) for the 911th Airlift Wing during the week, practices on a switches and routers board to strengthen his configuration skills, July 30, 2012. Part of this civilian career field entails activating and de-activating network ports (LAN jacks), changing switch configurations as necessary, and other network infrastructure maintenance around base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justyne Obeldobel/Released)

Marking the raft

Tech. Sgt. Cynthia Baum, 911th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, stencils additional information on a new F2B 20-man life raft, here, July 19, 2012. The stenciling is part of an annual inspection to ensure that the raft is operating properly and have all of the correct markings to help aircrew out in case of an emergency. There are four life rafts on each C-130 Hercules in case the aircraft must emergency land in water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua J. Seybert/Released))

Keeping the base safe and secure

Airman 1st Class Hector Montanez, 911th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, safely directs traffic at the intersection of Defense Avenue and Brown Street, here, July 18, 2012. Security Forces patrolmen are responsible for base security, guiding and directing traffic, safety of all members and visitors of the base, and base resources. Patrolmen must also protect restricted areas and check for alarms as well as ensuring doors to all buildings are secure after business hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua J. Seybert/Released)

Checking the waves

Staff Sgt. Bob Barbish, a 911th Airlift Wing avionics technician, explains to Airman Tyler Schrecengost, a 911th AW avionics journeyman, how the oscilloscope operates in the instrument and flight control system room of the 911th AW’s Avionics Flight building, July 18, 2012. General-purpose oscilloscope instruments are used for maintaining electronic equipment and laboratory work. Barbish also demonstrates how the oscilloscope can be utilized to check the varying signal voltages inside the IFSC room which enables them to rapidly check for instruments and devices operating properly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justyne Obeldobel/Released)

Diversity is integral to core values

Diversity includes and involves all of us and it is one of the strengths of both our Nation and the U.S. Air Force. To remain the world’s premier Air Force, we must educate, recruit, mentor and maintain the best potential talent. Embracing each Airman’s strengths, perspectives, and capabilities will help build and sustain a diverse and inclusive culture that strengthens our service. To improve the most from diversity, Airmen must understand they are highly valued and always have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential while contributing to the mission of the Air Force. Leaders must continuously create an environment that promotes mutual respect and trust while promoting the development and mentorship of Airmen with different backgrounds and perspectives so they continue to grow and thrive within the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ralph Van Houtem/Released)