33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit inspects, installs during exercise

by Airman 1st Class Keith James
18th Wing Public Affairs

1/30/2014 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- "Alarm Red, MOPP 4, alarm red MOPP 4," booms from a loud voice system across the base here, during a Mission Focused Exercise Jan. 29.

It is one of many familiar sounds heard throughout a 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit hangar, alerting the Airmen of an attack happening on the installation -- directing specific mission-oriented protective posture measures to be taken.

These Airmen are responsible for ensuring the HH-60G Pave Hawk stays mission ready and continues to conduct its day or night search and rescue mission, even during exercises.

"Same mission, same priorities, same need for the helicopter to do its job," said Staff Sgt. Russell Lende, 33rd HMU HH-60G Pave Hawk crew chief. "(Making sure) it's reliable and is always ready to fly when needed or called upon."

During exercises they are challenged with donning chemical gear, conducting post attack reconnaissance sweeps and fortifying their buildings; all seemingly difficult elements which restrict and limit their capabilities are made possible through using teamwork and resiliency.

"Working on the aircraft in (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) gear restricts mobility and slows the maintenance process of the aircraft," Lende said.

Working 12-hour shifts with split manning between days and nights, the members of the 33rd HMU understand the helicopters' role here at the 18th Wing and the huge need to keep these aircraft prepped and ready to go.

"It comes down to the nuts and bolts," Lende said. "We make sure the aircraft stays in top flight condition."

Exercises test the Airmen's ability to survive and operate in many situations while tasking them to perform their job. For many new Airmen, these exercises are their first chance to experience war-like situations in a safe environment.

"It was my first time participating in a simulated chemical exercise," said Senior Airman Joshua Whiting, 33rd HMU communications and navigation system technician, about the MFE. "It helps prepare me for future war-time contingency operations."

According to Lende, the best part of being an HMU maintainer is knowning what the HH-60 is capable of and the thrill of keeping it up in the air.

Regardless of the countless situations these HMU Airmen face, they ensure the 33rd Rescue Squadron can fly, fight and win.