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15th Wing leadership shadows 15th OSS Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The 15th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment Airmen had some help completing their daily work of maintaining the life-saving equipment they issue to aircrew members Oct. 24. The day's mission was accomplished with the help of the 15th Wing commander and command chief.

Col. Randy Huiss, 15th WG commander, said the point of the reverse shadow program is to see where and how the wing's mission is being accomplished, and to meet the Airmen that are getting it done.

"It's fantastic to get out and about and to see how everything works and just what goes on behind the scenes," he said.

During their visit with Airmen from the AFE Flight, Huiss and Chief Master Sgt. James Smith, 15th Wing command chief, not only learned what it takes to maintain aircrew survival equipment, but also how to inspect and package large parachutes and life rafts.

The two got hands on helping to fold and stow a parachute canopy and suspension lines into a deployment bag.

"I prefer to actually get hands on and get dirty," said Huiss. "I think it gives you a better appreciation and understanding for what our Airmen are doing on a daily basis. Also, if I understand what it takes to do a mission, then I understand how I can better support that mission."

Staff Sgt. Juilo Torres, 15th Operations Support Squadron AFE main shop assistant NCO in charge and one of the day's trainers, said it was nice having wing leadership take the less traditional approach to learning about the wing's mission.

"I think it's common for wing leadership to do walk-arounds and meet and greets, but I don't think it's common for them to come and get their hands dirty, and allow lower ranking individuals to give them guidance on things they are unfamiliar with," he said. "I think it was pretty cool to have them come through like that. Since we work in the back shops no one knows what goes on behind the scenes for our career field."

Torres, who worked with Huiss and Smith on packing the parachute canopy, said having wing leadership recognize the importance of what he does on a daily basis was the best part of the day.

"Showing the commander and chief how to pack a parachute was nice," he said. "It felt pretty good knowing that they take interest in something that we do. Our job can be tough at times, like many jobs in the Air Force, but leadership taking note that our equipment can one day save an aircrew member's life is the part that felt the best."

Torres said he was hesitant to work so closely with the commander and chief, but eventually warmed up to the idea after he realized how much fun they were having.
Huiss said interacting with Airmen does make his job a lot more fun, though it's also a reminder of how proficient they are in their skill sets.

"Today I learned I definitely need more training before I pack a parachute," he said. "It really highlighted the attention to detail these guys have also. I mean this equipment has to work. They can't fail ... lives depend on it. It speaks to the level of responsibility they have and they do a fantastic job."