by Capt. Jamie Humphries
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office
11/30/2011 - KABUL, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In an effort to build stronger relationships, members of Task Force Thunder at Kandahar Air Wing hosted Afghan air force maintainers for a visit recently.
During a maintenance facility tour, Afghan air force members saw firsthand the processes and equipment TF Thunder teams employ into their aviation maintenance functions.
Also, Afghan air force leaders were briefed on capabilities and responsibilities of TF Thunder maintenance crews and also got an up-close look at the CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64 Apache.
"This visit was important because it demonstrated the processes that (Afghan air force leaders) are working to build within their own force and validates the advice and direction we have been giving them," said Master Sgt. Carl Snider of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group. "Additionally, it gave them a different perspective on how helicopter maintenance is done in the U.S. For instance, they saw young Soldiers doing different maintenance jobs in the phase hangar, which shows that we trust our young warriors with the responsibility of maintaining a multimillion-dollar military asset by themselves."
Officials said they are looking forward to future visits to TF Thunder and want to incorporate their capabilities into a skill-level training program that would provide an opportunity for advisers to train certain tasks until Afghan air force back-shop capabilities and infrastructure are operational.
Speaking about the visit, Afghan air force maintenance leaders shared their thoughts about workingwith TF Thunder maintainers in the future.
The organization and teamwork with everyone moving toward a common goal was good, said Afghan air force Maj. Faquerdeen. We'd also like to work toward running a split shift in our own organization.
Officials who organized the visit with TF Thunder said the tour was an inspiration for the Afghan air force members and hope that one day, the Afghan air force maintenance unit can run the same sort of operation albeit on a smaller scale.
"Afghan air force maintenance leadership really enjoyed their tour," Snider said. "It was inspirational."
Members of the 738th AEAG maintenance unit continue to make strides as they recently certified their first AAF expediter and also handed over control of the debrief program that is designed to enhance post-mission interface between maintainers and aircrew members.
