Maintenance Group prepares for ORI

Sept. 10 marked the last of the 86th Maintenance Group’s “ability to survive and operate” classes on Ramstein. The 86th MXG will also join Team Ramstein in the operational readiness inspection.

As other squadrons across the base don chemical gear and take cover, the 86th MXG must do the same while also carrying on with its main mission — making it possible for aircraft to fly.

With that important mission weighing on their shoulders, maintenance Airmen practice more than typical to be fully prepared for any circumstance during the inspection.

The 86th MXG takes care of the flightline, which leaves a lot of room for hazards like unexploded ordinances and contaminated aircraft — none of which may stop the mission of these Airmen.

“Knowing how to work in chem gear on contaminated equipment and aircraft is mission essential,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Rey, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft hydraulic craftsman. “Getting birds up in the air, no matter the environment, is a top priority for the Air Force.”

To help get the group inspection ready, members of the 86th MXG started a training plan divided up into phases that helped the course planners decide what the participants needed to improve on.

Starting before the first ORE, the phases covered subjects such as the proper wear and use of chem gear, Mission Oriented Protective Posture levels, and force protection conditions.

“We have seen a significant change since the start,” Sergeant Rey said. “When we first started with Phase One, it took us five separate classes, two hours each to instruct what we now teach in one class, only three to four hours. We are teaching experienced professionals.”

The experience gained from these training sessions will help members from the group become better prepared for both inspections and real-world combat situations.

“I know it definitely helps,” said Senior Airman David Hannon, 86th AMXS hydraulic aircraft maintainer and course training instructor. “The change from last December to today is awesome. The attitudes are great, and I don’t expect anything other than an excellent rating from our side of the house.”

Although training was focused on their squadron, members from the 86th AMXS also are ensuring they share the knowledge gained because they understand the importance for the entire wing to do well in the ORI.

“Our goal is compliance,” Sergeant Ray said. “We want to rock the inspector general team and inspectors.”