Photo By Master Sgt. Michael Andriacco | Airborne maintenance technician Senior Airman Sarah McCrae of Robbinsville, N.C.,...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – An Airman deployed here from the 41st Electronic Combat Squadron (ECS) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., recently reached a major milestone in her career.
Senior Airman Sarah McRae, of Robbinsville, N.C., and a 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron (EECS) airborne maintenance technician, achieved her 1,000 combat flight hour mark during a mission, Sept 15th.
Airborne maintenance technicians keep the various electronic components of the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft working, said Lt. Col. Richard Fojtik, 41st EECS Commander. The EC-130H Compass Call is modified version of the C-130 Hercules used to disrupt enemy command and control communications. The unit's critical mission helps stop violent extremists from attacking Afghan civilians and coalition troops.
Reaching 1,000 combat flight hours can take up to eight years with the normal deployment cycle, said Fojtik. McRae did it in a little more than two.
"Thanks to the hard work of folks like Sarah, we have recently managed to keep our EC-130H Compass Call aircraft airborne for 160 straight days. Over the last four years, we have sustained a 97 percent mission capable rate," said Fojtik.
To put it in perspective, the Air Combat Command minimum standard for mission capable rates is 77 percent. Mission capable ratings are determined by 100-hour blocks; the 41st ECS' rate means its aircraft were available and mission ready for 97 out of every 100 hours.
According to Fojtik, McRae's achievement is representative of the spirit of excellence that motivates the members of the unit.
"Sarah is everything an Airman should be...smart, professional, dedicated and she always has a smile on her face," Fojtik said. "There is no shortage of opportunities for Sarah to reach additional combat hour milestones."
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2007 09:09 |
| Story ID: | 12506 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 402 |
| Downloads: | 364 |
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