Bob Haines, a civilian mechanic employed by the contractor Maytag Aircraft, works on one of the two base sweeper trucks, Jan. 4. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ralph Van Houtem)

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Henry Holland, a civilian mechanic employed by the contractor Maytag Aircraft, installs a new hose reel on an International DuraStar rollback in transportation’s garage, building 305, Jan. 4. Maytag Aircraft is a subcontractor of Santa Barbara Applied Research Inc. tasked with ensuring the upkeep of fuels, maintenance, and the airfield during the week when traditional reservists are not present. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ralph Van Houtem)

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Base mechanics keep vehicles on the road.

Published Jan. 4, 2011
By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
911 AW/PA

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- "We do what we have to do," said the transportation mechanic making the necessary repairs to one of the two sweeper trucks here at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station Jan. 4.

Bob Haines and other civilians employed by Maytag Aircraft are contracted by the Air Force with the responsibility of taking care of the 911th Airlift Wing's fuels, maintenance, and airfield on a regular basis.

According to Henry Holland, a Maytag Aircraft general mechanic, more than 100 vehicles are maintained in the transportation garages year-round. Civilian contractors maintain everything from security forces vehicles and construction equipment to refuelers.

"Although some vehicles require more maintenance than others we typically do two inspections a year," said Mr. Haines.

The first is an annual inspection, which is basically a regular state inspection, said Mr. Haines. The second is a six-month scheduled inspection which includes a check for minor problems, an oil change and greasing.

The civilian mechanics mostly do maintenance but are also capable of doing general repairs, said Mr. Haines, as he installs a door pull/arm rest, which he had to create when the part was discontinued for the Sterling SC8000 sweeper truck.

The base's two sweeper trucks are used year-round by Civil Engineering. During the summer, the sweepers are used for beautification of the base and in the winter they are used to sweep the sand off the runways. Sand is tossed on the runways to provide traction for the airplanes during freezing temperatures. According to Mr. Haines, sand is used instead of salt, because it does not corrode the aluminum the planes are made out of.

Mechanics such as Mr. Holland and Mr. Haines work hard during the week to make sure all the base's vehicles, such as the sweeper trucks, are fully operational at all times. Ensuring that resources are available for total combat readiness is vital to the Air Force mission.