Setting a New Standard Published June 15, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Karla Lehman 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Airmen of the 94th Maintenance Group are faced with the challenge of large-scale transition from C-130 Hercules H2 models to H3 models, while maintaining the current highest mission capable rate in Air Force Reserve Command. "We strive for excellence in everything we do," said Col. Augusto Casado, 94th Maintenance Group commander. "Along with our keen focus on core values, vision and mission, we have a four-part philosophy that everyone understands and embraces. We call it the 'Big Four': safety first, do it by the book, document what you do, and communicate, communicate, communicate." The 94th MXG currently has two C-130 H2s and six C-130 H3s. Regardless of the challenges faced, the maintainers are executing the Air Force Reserve Command plan as tasked and plan to be done by end of July. "The conversion has been very challenging and we have had to ensure safety and maintenance requirements are properly addressed," said Casado. "Our keen technicians have discovered a variety of issues on the inbound aircraft. We are working diligently to correct these and be able to provide mission capable aircraft as expeditiously as possible." Defined as the sum of the unit's full mission-capable and partial mission-capable aircraft, MC rates depend on a variety of factors such as the nature of the discrepancy, supply parts availability, other mission demands, equipment and personnel availability. According to Master Sgt. Carlton Mayo, 94th MXG maintenance analyst, the maintenance group has already attained some of the highest MC rates in the command for the current fiscal year. The performance has not only been among the best in the Reserve for the C-130 community, but it has also exceeded the command's standards by a substantial margin. "This group has a rich history of accomplishments," said Casado. "During my short tenure as the commander, we became combat-coded after over ten years as a training location, excelled in our Logistic Compliance Assurance Program inspection (LCAP), established the first Aircraft Maintenance Unit for a unit equipped (UE) C-130 MXG and have completed several successful deployments. We are on track to continue our positive trajectory largely due to the passion, professionalism, excellence, and dedication to the mission our MXG Airmen bring." The 94th MXG continues to recognize superior performers within the group in a variety of ways. In 2013, the 94th Maintenance Squadron won all four wing level enlisted awards; Airman, Non-commissioned officer, Senior NCO and First Sergeant of the Year. Additionally, the group had three Promotion Enhancement Program selectees that same year. The 94th MXS was the lead unit for the four unit, eight aircraft, 75 man maintenance package during this year's Maple Flag exercise, added Mayo. Maple Flag, which takes place in Cold Lake, Canada, was a joint international exercise with realistic training in a modern simulated combat environment. The 94th MXG has 280 people within its ranks. "Although we do not chase stats, we do have a goal of excellence and safety," said Casado. "Maintaining our MC rate goal will be challenging due to the C-130 H2 to H3 conversion, but our focus remains on safety, quality and efficiency."
