Technically sound: One-of-a-kind Ramstein Airman ensures on, off duty success

  • Published
  • By Corinna L. Green
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Many are fascinated by high-technology equipment, but only few understand the complexity of maintaining and repairing them. The Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory technicians from the 86th Maintenance Squadron are one of the few who do understand.

Ramstein's PMEL is the largest out of three in U.S. Air Forces in Europe - - the other two are located at Royal Air Force Feltwell, England, and Aviano Air Base, Italy. Seventy Airmen make sure aircraft and ground support equipment meet Air Base standards.

The PMEL technician's work, calibration, inspection and alignments of utensils is vital for the success of Air Force missions beyond Ramstein or Europe.

"We support 319 work centers throughout Europe and Southwest Asia. We receive and send out items to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates and Egypt to name a few," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Perry direct current voltage low frequency Section non-commissioned officer in charge. "You see a broad range of equipment. Anything from a generator, which produces power levels and frequencies, to stones of which we measure the height, weight and flatness of. We are part of the maintenance squadron, but we basically are a support unit for all of Ramstein, USAFE and Southwest Asia."

Out of the 70 technicians one Airman stands out as being extraordinarily dedicated to doing his job well - - Staff Sgt. Jirayu Wisutapayak, a direct current voltage low frequency section technician.

Sergeant Wisutapayak said he joined the Air Force to serve his country and that means giving his all, no matter what he does. Even though he'd rather program computers, he emphasized that he wants to be good at anything he does.

Sergeant Perry agreed; "It is not that he is naturally good at PMEL, it is that he applies himself, takes pride in what he does; it is his desire to be good."

The SSgt. is the only one in the direct current voltage low frequency section of the PEML to be able to complete every critical task, without exception, which is a rare occurrence.

Additionally he has been able to qualify as one out of three in the entire Air Force to calibrate infrared target simulators. Trained by Tech. Sgt Jerry Goode , the second qualified person who is also stationed in Ramstein, Sergeant Wisutapayak calibrated ten simulators and restored the on-aircraft missile testing capability, affecting USAFE and U.S. Air Forces Central.

Since the third person is a civilian in the United Kingdom PMEL, Ramstein is really the only place for military personnel to be trained according to Sergeant Perry.

Another unique accomplishment, impacting not only USAFE but also downrange, is that Sergeant Wisutapayak managed to align several calibrators, a necessity to the PMEL technicians, in half of the obligated time. The result - - the calibration of items did not have to be delayed, which affected 25 percent of the output at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

"The reason I was able to finish in half of the normal time is that for two or three years I was the only person in the lab who was able to do it and I became an expert. After aligning 15 calibrators, it became routine and I was able to do it quick," Sergeant Wisutapayak said.

But it is not just his technical proficiency with calibration that has impacted his unit, his excellent penmanship has also been a benefit.

He inscribes certification labels in a way not distinguishable from digital prints, now a label printer is of no more use.

"Most people's handwriting is too big, so they come to me and I help them out," the 31-year old said. "And speaking English is not one of my strengths, but my writing explains a lot."

Sergeant Wisutapayak also trained 7-level technicians, while he was a senior airman. He volunteered to do so, in order to meet new people arriving to the lab.

"We have 75 people who rotate every year, so if people come in as a staff sergeant they still have to be trained," he explained.

And while the NCO clearly makes an impact on duty, helping out is also dear to his heart off-duty.

As the event coordinator of the 86th Maintenance Squadron Booster Club, he raises money for the squadron by planning, organizing, coordinating and promoting fundraisers.

He also has volunteered 120 hours in the last three months to the Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving, playing a role in providing safe rides for 100 personnel.

"In Germany the cab is too expensive;" said Sergeant Wisutapayak who because of the cost, chooses not to drink in Germany. "When I joined the Air Force, I used to drive my friends from technical school home. I then thought instead of doing it for a small amount of people, I could volunteer, go out and still help people at the same time."

And his devotion to help is greatly appreciated.

"All the recognition he receives is well deserved. He has been a great worker for me. He does good work. Everything is fully deserved," Sergeant Perry said. "Sergeant Wisutapayak has that kind of personal pride in whatever he does, that is just what kind of person he is."