Deployed U-2 Maintenance Unit embodies cohesion, flexibility

  • Published
  • By Maj. Khalid Cannon
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  U-2 Dragon Lady aircrews are able to fly vital Air Tasking Orders and combat missions because of the maintenance work completed every day by the men and women of the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's Dragon Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

"I feel like we're really making a difference because of the missions the U-2 flies," said Air Force Senior Airman Negusa Lee, who is stationed at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

Because of the design of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron's U-2s, the majority of which were built in the 1980s and a few in the 1960s, even a routine repair can be complex.

"The most tedious repairs we do are the engine pulls," said Lee. "The U-2 is not the most maintenance- friendly so if there is a line in the engine bay that's cracked, you can't open a panel and get to it. So, we have to take out the entire engine and there is a lot of follow on maintenance after that. It's not hard maintenance, but there are a lot of different steps and it's tedious."

The major difference between completing major repairs in the U.S. and at the deployed location is the camaraderie of the Airmen, and the ability to complete difficult tasks during one shift.

"When an aircraft breaks, everybody helps out," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Michael DeKay, Dragon AMU flight superintendent. "We're more like a family here."

The role of Dragon AMU is the everyday general maintenance of the U-2, making sure the aircraft are serviced properly and verifying that each one can complete the mission.

"When I receive briefings about the important work our aircrews are doing, and considering the time and effort it took to launch and recover the aircraft, it's very rewarding," said Air Force Airman First Class Kayla O'Dea. "I love our mission."

Another vital role within the AMU is avionics, which is comprised of all electronic systems including navigation, communication, and electronic warfare.

"My job is to make sure the computer systems are working properly so all the information our pilots need is readily available to them," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristofferson Nunez. "We also make sure the pilots have the means to protect themselves."

Nunez, whose primary aircraft was the A-10 Thunderbolt, recently switched to U-2 avionics prior to his deployment.

"Since I started working on this aircraft eight months ago, I've become very appreciative of the opportunity to work on it," said Nunez. "I really see the incredible value and capability of the U-2."

Air Force Capt. Tom Odgers, Dragon AMU officer-in-charge, also spoke about the essential role of the unit.

"I have the honor and privilege of leading 50 active duty Airmen and 70 contractors to support the mission here," said Odgers. "They launch this platform each and every day, supporting the mission. And, in five months we've managed to meet all our ATO lines."

"We have a critical mission here," said Odgers. "We have a lot of challenges, and we have some old aircraft parts that require constant maintenance by our Airmen and contractors. I'm always amazed at what our young Airmen are capable of: their endurance, passion, tenacity and motivation."