Behind the scenes with the 86th MOS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 86th Maintenance Operation Squadron is about more than wrench-turning. It's much more technical than you think. 

Maintenance operation control, maintenance training, analysis, plans and scheduling and engine management make up the core focus of the 86th MOS mission. With limited manning, due to deployments and force shaping, the 86th MOS still manages to reach its goals, getting the job done with speed and accuracy. 

"Our squadron is different from other maintenance squadrons in that we are directly responsible to the Maintenance Group Commander for the administration, analysis, training management, and programs and resources neccessary to support the group production effort," said Master Sgt. Rufus Love. 

The primary mission of the 86th MOS is to ensure the 86th Airlift Wing mission is always sucessful. This is done by analyzing long-range fleet health, developing wing flying maintenance schedules for more than 17 C-130 and one C-40 aircraft and controlling component configurations for 80 engines and 68 propellers while managing 700 personnel authorizations, 59 facilities, a $37 million dollar budget, and providing all maintenance training for U.S. Air Forces in Europe's largest air base. 

The 86th MOS has highly trained personnel that specialize in each of their six sections in the squadron.
 
"Our mission is vigorous but very necessary," said Airman 1st Class Jeff Hicken, who was the 86th AW Airman of the Quarter for the second quarter. "I enjoy what I do and am glad to be such a vital piece of the mission's puzzle." 

Overall the 86th MOS is responsible for ensuring that all the behind the scenes work of the airlift mission is done with no flaws. So, the next time you think of the MOS, think of them as more than just wrench-turners.