DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Throughout 2016, 919th Special Operations Wing public affairs will highlight the Airmen of specific flights throughout the Reserve wing here. This is the fourth of four installments in the series.
Aircraft Maintenance
The active-duty and Reserve Airmen of the 919th Special Operations Maintenance Group perform all phases of aircraft maintenance on the C-145A Skytruck and will eventually provide complete repair and upkeep duties for the C-146 Wolfhound.
Staff Sgt. Natalie Beal
Beal, a jet engine mechanic joined the 919th Special Operations Wing right out of high school. Now a five-year veteran, she chose maintenance for the hands-on job experience and to not be behind a desk. She said she always wanted to be in the military and is now a full time student.
Tech. Sgt. Justin McMurphy
“What’s special about the 919th is the diversity of professionals we get to work with and meet,” said McMurphy, a former active-duty gunner on an AC-130H, now a fuel systems mechanic on the C-145.
His job in the 919th SOMXG is to troubleshoot, evaluate and replace any piece of the aircraft’s fuel system to ensure reliability and flight readiness.
McMurphy said he left active duty so he could continue to give back to his country, contribute to his community and pursue his education.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith
Smith followed in his father’s footsteps joining the Air Force. The five-year veteran joined out of high school and is now a crew chief on the C-145.
He said the team concept and comradery are what keep him in the Reserve.
“They’ll do anything for you and you can always count of them,” he said.
Smith said he has a direct impact on the 919th SOW’s mission as a maintainer.
“As long as I do my job, they can do theirs,” he said.
Smith remembered the first time he marshalled out his aircraft for a flight and the thrill of sending it off for a mission.
“It felt like I helped to be a part of that in my own little way,” he said.