Robins C-130 team honored for distinguished performance

by Jenny Gordon
78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

11/6/2014 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- When a bleed air duct exploded involving a major weapon system at Robins earlier this year, several people assigned to the 560th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron offered their expertise to quickly solve the problem.

Because of their dedication, the nine civilians were honored with an Air Force Civilian Achievement Medal Oct. 23, presented by Brig. Gen. Walter Lindsley, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex commander.

The citation stated that from "March 15 to April 12, 2014, their in-depth systems knowledge and vast C-130 expertise proved to be invaluable when a C-130 aircraft encountered a bleed air duct failure during an engine run-up operation.

"Their leadership and decisive actions enabled immediate aircraft and engine shutdown and safe evacuation of four personnel, which prevented fiberglass dust created by the mishap from being ingested."

David "Opie" Hurst, C-130 Functional Test Flight chief, said, "The actions of these maintainers helped prevent catastrophic damage from occurring in flight, eliminating the potential for aircraft damage or injury to our Airmen."

The team includes Brad Cantrell and Brian Hall, work leads; and Jedidiah Broussard, Philippe Campos, Joseph Cates, Craig Coates, Nathan Horn, Dean Huber and Dennis Schmidt, aircraft mechanics.