Maintenance takes a shine to new plane

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dan Oliver
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 932nd Maintenance Squadron has embraced a new mission: the care and tending of the C-9C fleet since their arrival last year. Unlike the venerable C-9A, whose mission was primarily medical airlift, the C-9C is designed to provide air transport to government and senior military officials. 

Also, the C-9C stands out in several respects. The biggest difference to crew chiefs is the C-9C’s shiny exterior that requires plenty of cleaning and polishing. 

“Lots of elbow grease goes into getting the C-9C mission-ready and visually appealing,” said Master Sgt. Robert Bode, crew chief. 

Sergeant Bode said it takes four times the amount of man-hours to prepare the C-9C, compared to the C-9A, which is now retired from service. Maintenance crews will devote most of a UTA to keeping the C-9C spotless and airworthy. 

“Getting the C-9C ready, is just like custom detailing the family car,” he said.
During a recent UTA, Sergeant Bode and his crew, spent hours buffing the polished aluminum that stretches from the aircraft’s nose to tail. 

Crew chiefs and other aircraft maintenance specialists wear coveralls, gloves and goggles while working on the C-9C. Plastic booties are slipped over work boots, while crew chiefs work on the wing and other sections. 

The C-9C also comes equipped with a complete galley/kitchen, lounge area and secure communications equipment which also receive the same attention to detail and care.
Crew chiefs like Staff Sgt. Lloyd Washington appreciate the mission and its challenge.
“No other aircraft stands out like ours,” he said.

 “A lot of hard work,” Sergeant Washington added, “goes into preparing the C-9C, but the results are worth it. The C-9C represents the unit and our country.”
Although the 932nd MXS could use more manpower to meet the C-9Cs requirements, they are getting the job done, Sergeant Bode said. 

Several pilots from the 73rd Airlift Squadron helped polish the C-9s during one UTA, Sergeant Bode said. Even wing safety has pitched in and helped with polishing. “We won’t turn away anyone who volunteers,” he said. 

The crew chiefs and other maintainers take pride in their C-9C mission and look forward to the arrival of the C-40s at the 932nd Airlift Wing.
The morale and overall atmosphere in our unit is pumped up with the new direction we’re going in, said Sergeant Washington.