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    Powering the Eagle: The vital role of aircraft electrical specialists

    Powering the eagle: The vital role of aircraft electrical specialists

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Camille Lienau | Senior Airman Sadie Lienau and Tech. Sgt. Juan Rodriguez, 104th Fighter Wing Aircraft...... read more read more

    WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES

    09.10.2023

    Story by Senior Airman Camille Lienau 

    104th Fighter Wing

    In the intricate world of aircraft operation, where advanced technology reigns supreme, a group of aircraft electrical specialists ensures the seamless performance of our fleet. Senior Airman Sadie Lienau and Tech. Sgt. Juan Rodriguez, 104th Fighter Wing aircraft electrical and environmental systems specialists, ensure our F-15 Eagle aircraft are working at optimal conditions at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts.

    Aircraft electrical and environmental systems specialists are in charge of maintaining and repairing the intricate wiring and electrical components of our planes.

    “In addition to wiring and electrical upkeep, my responsibilities include documenting and certifying all electrical maintenance and repairs. Also, we prioritize cockpit safety to protect our pilots,” said Lienau.

    These specialists are entrusted with keeping our aircraft operating seamlessly and ensuring that everything, from engine control to cabin pressurization, functions as intended. They inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain a wide range of aircraft electrical and environmental systems, including power, lighting, safety, and utility systems.

    Lienau asserts that her training as an E&E specialist, in conjunction with her military service, has imparted valuable qualities and bolstered her character.

    “The military has taught me lessons in leadership, professionalism, time management, attention to detail, communication, and, above all, integrity, which are applicable in a variety of roles,” said Lienau. “It takes a resilient individual to serve in the world's greatest Air Force, and my military experience has built up my mental and physical strength.”

    Rodriguez supervises Lienau’s training and career development, and works alongside her to maintain the 104FW’s F-15 Eagles.

    "Lienau's intelligence has been welcoming,” said Rodriguez. “She demonstrated her technical abilities early on and performed most tasks without difficulty. When given the task of tracking our due-in from maintenance program and managing our shop tool program, she was able to handle both, while continuously being assigned to other duties during Operation Noble Eagle. Her performance exceeded expectations for an Airman First Class."

    Outside of her military service, Lienau is a junior civil engineering student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and also contributes to campus planning in the Architecture department.

    “I am studying and working to get my professional engineering license so that I can start my own company one day”, said Lienau. “This past summer, I worked at a civil engineering company in Hartford.”

    Airmen in E&E exemplify dedication and precision, both within and beyond their military roles.

    “My favorite aspect of working in E&E is being with my coworkers as a team to carry out the mission,” said Lienau. “Although we are not as visible on base as other sections, we have an important role in ensuring the Eagle stays mission-cable and ready for any future tasking.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.10.2023
    Date Posted: 09.15.2023 08:52
    Story ID: 453083
    Location: WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US

    Web Views: 179
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN