Merry Christmas

One of my additional duties is Contracting Officer (COR), which means serving as the military liason to our aircraft mechanics, who are civilian contractors.  Since our arrival, we have been operating with just two mechanics, which is 50% of the authorized personnel strength in maintenance.  To maintain operational readiness with just two mechanics is a monumental task…early morning launches with evening recovery’s, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, logbook updates, refueling, engine rinses, aircraft cleanings,  and troubleshooting pilot writeups…it all equates to very long days in harsh working conditions. 

You would never know our two mechanics are scheduled to return home in a matter of weeks...their professionalism, dedication, expertise and positive attitudes have been an inspiration...we could not be in better hands.  This picture was taken on Christmas morning…after they spent all Christmas Eve, trouble shooting a fuel gauge issue…they paused long enough to exchange Christmas greetings.  To us, they are not contractors, but valued team mates and friends…Merry Christmas & Thank you for all you do!