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QATAR - As a service member's deployment comes to an end, one of
the biggest concerns is to set their replacement up for success. For
Staff Sgt. David Rippy, his replacement is his brother, Senior
Airman Mark Rippy, both reservists deployed from the 315th Aircraft
Maintenance Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.
The
Rippy brothers are C-17 Globemaster III hydraulic systems
specialists assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance
Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar who maintain C-17s supporting
Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Staff Sgt. David Rippy and Senior Airman Mark Rippy, both
reservists deployed from the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron,
Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., pose for a picture at Al Udeid Air
Base, Qatar, March 11, 2014. Mark arrived in March and is the direct
replacement for David at the 8th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance
Squadron where both are hydraulic systems specialists supporting
C-17 Globemaster IIIs who fly missions in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. David Miller)
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They are responsible for troubleshooting, inspecting and
performing hydraulic system maintenance which allows the
C-17 and its crews the ability to transport passengers, and
all types of cargo to include food, water, supplies and
vehicles to accomplish Air Forces Central Command's mission.
David initially started his Air Force career as an
Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician but ultimately
changed career paths after talking to Mark as he was
training to become a hydraulic systems specialist at
Sheppard AFB, Texas.
"I went through initial training at Sheppard and then went
through nine months of upgrade training with my unit at
Charleston to be a certified hydraulic system specialist,"
said David.
David went on to work at his civilian job
as an automotive set-up mechanic where he troubleshoots
problems and performs all mechanical maintenance functions
on equipment which includes repairs, modifications and
performs changeovers and set-up on machines, fixtures and
measurement devices.
Mark, following the same
training plan, finished his upgrade training but stayed on
active orders and became extremely proficient at his job as
he did it day in and day out.
"I knew Mark and his
abilities from working with him at Charleston," said Master
Sgt. Armenia Coleman, 8th EAMS maintenance section chief,
deployed from Charleston AFB and a Memphis, Tenn., native.
"Working with David the past couple of months, I knew
getting Mark in the unit we wouldn't lose a step with the
turnover."
With the stories his brother was telling
him of his experiences here, Mark was able to get a vivid
picture of deployed work and life.
"I talked to Mark
and let him know about the mission out here before he was
identified to deploy as we kept in touch often throughout my
deployment," said David.
"I spoke to my unit
leadership and volunteered to deploy anywhere in the AOR,"
said Mark. "I was initially told that the members were
already identified for the next couple for deployments but I
was still ready and eager to deploy and an opportunity arose
that allowed me to deploy here and become part of the 8th
EAMS team."
Mark arrived in March and became not only
a member of the 8th EAMS but also a direct replacement for
his brother.
As brothers they share a few common
traits that allow them to excel as hydraulic system
specialists.
"Both of us work hard, be it in a team
environment or as an individual, and we are always looking
for opportunities to learn and assist different career
fields to achieve mission accomplishment," said David.
Hydraulic systems specialists are key to ensuring the
hydraulics and hydraulic pressure is functional and works
properly to actuate the flight controls, ramp, door, gear
and braking system of the C-17s that fly missions daily.
"I worked with David for two months and as a
knowledgeable and hardworking airman I see the same attitude
and work ethic from Mark in the few days I have worked with
him," said Staff Sgt. Bobby Hill, 8th EAMS instrument and
flight control systems journeyman deployed from Joint Base
Lewis-McChord, Wash., and a Parkton, N.C., native.
"Being a reservist, I am grateful to for the active duty
airmen who supported me on this deployment," said David. "I
came to the unit and I was able to learn so much from the
people with experience about the mission and my job."
David has won numerous awards while at AUAB to include
the 8th EAMS Hard Charger award, Safety Warrior and Flight
Knuckle Buster during this deployment.
"As is
typical, the older brother leaves some big shoes for the
baby brother to fill," said Coleman.
By U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Miller
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2014
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