Phoenix, Arizona, United States
On April 6, 1976, I joined the United States Air Force. I then went to basic training for 6 weeks at San Antonio, AFB in Texas. Then I went to Chanute, AFB in Rantoul, Illinois for technical school. That is where I trained to become a Jet Engine Mechanic. Then I was transferred to Offutt, AFB in Bellevue, Nebraska. I was stationed there for 14 years. Initially I trained in the Jet Engine Intermediate Section in the shop on Pratt and Whitney TF33-P9’s, TF33-P5’s, TF33-P102’s. Then transferred to the Offutt AFB ‘s flight line section to maintain KC-135’s which are Boeing 707’s, on A, EC, KC, and RC models as well as T-39’s which are Saber Liner’s with J-60 engines installed on them. Then I trained on Boeing 747’s with GE CF6e2 engines on them. They were utilized as the National Airborne Command Post ( NEACP ) - known as the Doomsday plane. Then I was deployed to RAF Mildenhall, England known as the Gateway to Europe, where I worked on KC 135 R models with CFM56 engines installed on them. I was stationed there for 3 years. Then I transferred to Grand Forks, AFB in Grand Forks, North Dakota a Core Tanker Base, were I continued maintaining KC 135 R models with CFM56 engines installed on them. Then when I retired in May 1997 I trained to get my A&P license. After testing I was awarded my A&P license from the FAA. Then I started my career in Commercial Aviation after relocating to Tucson, Arizona. I was hired as a A&P mechanic to maintain Boeing 727’s, 737’s 747’s and DC-9’s at Evergreen Air Center in Marana, Arizona. While there I Performed A, B, C and D checks. Then I interviewed and was hired by Hamilton Aviation in Tucson, Arizona where I maintained 727,s and 737’s. While employed there I Performed A, B, C, and D checks. I then interviewed at the Bone Yard (AMARC) at Davis Monthan, AFB located in Tucson, Arizona I worked as a contractor for Defense Support Services (DS2) on all the Military aircraft that have been placed there by the military units that utilized them. During my 21 year USAF career I received training on National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Accident Investigation Course. As well as many other training schools.