Airman 'catches planes,' saves lives

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- "For lack of a better term, we catch planes!" exclaimed Senior Airman Brian Magkasi, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Power Production journeyman from Great Mills, Maryland.

Installed on the RAF Mildenhall runway are two aircraft arresting systems designed to act as a "second chance" for any fighter aircraft having an in-flight emergency. These aircraft arresting systems, more commonly called "barriers," are installed to primarily support the F-15s from RAF Lakenheath, but are capable of supporting any transient aircraft in need of a safe place to land.

"We stop them with these barriers," the Maryland native explained. "I personally like that aspect of the job because I get to say 'Hey I've saved two pilots lives, or I've saved one pilot's life and $15 million worth of aircraft."

The Airmen in the 100th CES maintain these safety barriers to ensure that in the event of an emergency they are ready. If an F-15 attempts to land and its brake system is unable to stop the jet, the barriers are engaged by a tailhook catching the cable, stopping the aircraft before it reaches the end of the runway.

But this vital task is not the only mission-critical aspect of Magkasi's work.

"Day-to-day I pretty much run the generators," the journeyman said. "We have a set schedule on when the generators run. We run it for one to two hours and do a scheduled operations check to make sure everything is in good working order, just in case a power outage does happen. These generators will allow all important missions to continue without skipping a beat."

Though all offices on base are important, and the service members and civilians working in those offices require power to perform their duties, tough choices must be made on which missions are supported and which are not. In the present economic climate there has to be decisions made on what offices cannot be without power, even for a few minutes. The 100th CES, in coordination with wing leadership, must prioritize these limited government assets.

A few examples of these mission-critical work stations include the 100th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower, 100th CES Fire Department, 100th Security Forces Squadron dispatch, 100th Air Refueling Wing command post and the 100th ARW headquarters building. These key facilities must have a constant power supply to keep aircrew safe while airborne and to maintain the communication network to launch a mission if required.

Magkasi takes pride in his work to keep the generators used by these buildings operational.

"I like having that satisfaction of (saying), 'Hey, I fixed a generator so that facility is now covered just in case a power outage does happen'," the 100th CES Airman reflected.

Magkasi enjoys his time stationed in England, but has hopes for the future.

"Right now it's my goal to become an officer and see where the road takes me from there. You need at least a bachelor's degree which is exactly what I'm working towards, so slowly and surely I'll get there. I'm in no rush because right now I'm in England," the Maryland native laughed. "When I get there, I'll get there and I'll press forward."

He enjoys working with NCOs who have taught him a great deal during his time at RAF Mildenhall. He also knows he couldn't perform his tasks without the aid of fellow squadron members.

"Being civil engineering, we take care of the team," Magkasi explained. "Different shops work well together and assist each other for the common goal. We help each other out: Engineers lead the way!"

Magkasi's leadership is proud of the young Airman as well.

"Every Airman is a valuable asset to the world's greatest Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Jose Vargas, 100th CES NCO in charge of barrier maintenance from El Paso, Texas, "and Senior Airman Magkasi is no exception."