Personnel from the 914th Maintenance
Squadron, Crash Damaged and Disabled Aircraft Recover Team monitor air pressure
for pneumatic airbags, during an exercise, at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve
Station on June 6, 2015. Green led a team of more than 20 personnel through a
simulated crash and recovery exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt.
Matthew Burke)
By Staff
Sgt. Matthew Burke, 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published June 24, 2015
NIAGARA
FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --
Airmen from the
914th Maintenance Squadron Crash Damaged and Disabled Aircraft Recovery Section
conducted comprehensive training here using one of the base’s static display
aircraft, June 6-7.
The 91th MXS, along with multiple base
agencies simulated lifting a C-119 aircraft on display near the Lockport Gate.
"We're simulating a pneumatic bag lift on
the C-119 today," said Tech. Sgt. Norman Green, 914th MXS team chief. His
section specializes in recovering crashed or disabled aircraft.
"Not
only do we get to use the equipment for inspection purposes but we also get the
valuable training that comes with a simulated lift."
The exercise simulated a pneumatic bag lift
designed to raise an aircraft off the ground.
However, in this scenario the bags did not make contact with the
aircraft to avoid damaging this historical display.
"We're one of the only bases that uses
pneumatic airbags as opposed to wood pallets for cribbage," said Senior
Master Sgt. Frank Camper, 914th MXS support flight chief. "The bags are
ideal because they don't require a level surface. We are well equipped and well
trained."
The 914 CDDAR section is one of the most
comprehensive in the northeast and the Air Force Reserve Command. These
training exercises highlight the base's capabilities and showcase the teams
skill.
"The plan may someday be to split CDDAR
teams up regionally," said Green. "We have three times more CDDAR
assets here than regulation requires and more than most bases, so we're trying
to put a spotlight on Niagara. We would be able to pack up in a moment's notice
to travel to places like Erie, Pittsburgh and Youngstown."
These types of large-scale training exercises
are uncommon, but valuable for day-to-day operations at home station and
deployed locations. Although the training is comprehensive, it doesn't compare
to real-world situations.
"The training was absolutely
priceless," said Camper. "We discovered several issues to be
addressed in the event that our team was required to perform an actual
lift."
CDDAR members are comprised of nearly all
maintenance Air Force specialty codes as well as expertise from base
organizations that would be involved in a real-world crash and recovery
incident.
"Anybody
can carry a hose or airbag," said Green. "It would be great to have
members from medical or services to help set up our kits, but also to provide
help in their specialties in case of an emergency or to help feed
personnel."
"There's a certain energy on this base to
get the job done," said Tech Sgt. Randy Sherrick, CDDAR team member.
"Every shop wanted to do more to help -- it's what makes Niagara
special."
