Power pros critical to mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kerry Solan-Johnson
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  Eighteen Airmen ensure there is no peace here, because silence at Balad Air Base would mean chaos.

The power production team's work is audible and emitted by the drone of 200 Air Force generators fueled by 7,000 gallons of fuel a day and immeasurable amounts of sweat and work hours. 

"I'm not going to lie," said Staff Sgt. Kristopher Oyen, 332nd Air Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron power production. "The work can be punishing." 

The generators run continuously, supplying power to three critical areas: the Air Force Theater Hospital, airfield and communications squadron. It also supports several other Air Force assets with power.

No other kind of power supply exists for these areas, so it is up to the 332nd ECES power production team to ensure the generators, facing conditions they were not manufactured for, can stand up to the heat, dust and high demand. 

The most challenging of these lies in the consequence of the hospital going without power. While some Air Force assets are powered by contractors' generators, the hospital is in the hands of these civil engineers. 

"It's our asset to power because they don't trust it to anyone else; they know (the power) will stay up with us," said Master Sgt. James Bomboy, the 332nd ECES power production superintendent. 

With more than 750 patients a month, many who need surgery, the hospital is priority No. 1 for the power pros. 

"We have to make sure the power doesn't go out during all those surgeries," Sergeant Bomboy said. 

The power pros have a record they are proud of when it comes to the hospital: not once has the hospital ever gone without power, said Senior Airman Lorraine Hunter. Their quick response time and backup generators made that possible. 

The communications squadron also relies on the power the crew provides. A lack of power would mean a loss of communication with convoys on Iraqi roads. 

The power pro team's work also supports quality of life, powering the gym, recreation center, transient tents and distinguished visitor quarters. 

"It doesn't matter that it's 115 degrees outside when they work on 180-degree generators to change 200-degree oil," Sergeant Oyen said. "They'll come in, dirty but smiling. They know they have to get the job done."