Maintainers repair Iraqi police station radio Published March 27, 2006 By Master Sgt. Jon Hanson 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- For four members of the 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, their latest job was not a usual one. Three ground radio maintainers and their flight commander responded to a request to fix a high frequency radio belonging to an Iraqi police station. The HF radio is important because of its long-range capabilities. “The actual work we performed could have been done by one person,” said Capt. Randy Witt, commander of the squadron's mission systems flight. “The problem was we didn’t know why the equipment wasn’t working. We didn’t receive a detailed report, but did get pictures of the equipment.” With pictures in hand, the maintainers were able to contact the radio manufacturer and obtain the radio’s manual. Having the manual allowed them to study the schematics and gather equipment they thought they might need to fix it. “Not knowing what to expect, we took a duffel bag full of tools and spare equipment, two cable reels and test equipment,” said Captain Witt, who is deployed here from the 32nd Combat Communications Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.“When we arrived, we quickly discovered it was a simple power issue -- a blown fuse. The guys took out the busted fuse only to find we didn’t bring a fuse with a compatible rating,” the captain said. “Fortunately, Staff Sgt. Kevin Newton discovered an extra fuse packed in the radio. We installed the new fuse and fired up the radio.” “Carrying $15,000 worth of equipment expecting the worst and all we really needed was a ‘Leatherman’ and a flashlight,” said Sergeant Newton, who is deployed here from the 366th Communication Squadron at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. The satisfaction of fixing the radio wasn’t the only thing these communications experts left with. They got an opportunity to experience a little bit of the Iraqi culture. Once they were done, the Iraqis invited them to eat a meal of lamb and rice with them. The visit made lasting impressions on the small group. “I have honestly never met a group of people more respectful, friendly or eager to please,” said Senior Airman Justin Betts, who is deployed from the 90th CS at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. “Over all of our cultural differences, I think these are qualities we as Americans sometimes overlook.”