Grissom Airmen manipulate metal at molecular level Published April 20, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- In a dark room, a helmeted man uses his unique skills to alter hardened steel at the molecular level. Illuminated only by a dim light flickering from the ceiling and a showering of molten metal sparks, he bends, morphs and fuses the metal to his will. While this might sound like a scene from a science fiction movie about superpower-wielding mutants, it's actually a snapshot image of everyday happenings in the metals technology section of the 434th Maintenance Squadron here at Grissom. Recently, the metals technology Airmen put their metal-manipulation skills to use, fabricating and installing fill-gap steps on B-5 aircraft maintenance platforms here. "A B-5 stand is primarily used to reach higher areas of the plane like the horizontal stabilizer," said Master Sgt. James Massie, 434th MXS metals technology noncommissioned officer in charge. "This step is supposed to be used to fill gap between ladder and the actual platform." And while the metals technology Airmen were able to quickly implement this safety improvement to each of the stands on base, there was a slight snag in their original plan, which was overcome by their tenacity and ability to adapt. "We had ten stands to modify, so we used the blueprints supplied and built a template to weld all ten steps," explained Sergeant Massie. "We later learned that each stand had entirely different measurements than our original blueprints, so for each stand that came to our shop we had to modify, cut, and re-weld each of the ten steps we originally fabricated so that they would fit." But being able to adapt, overcome and see the product of hard work is exactly what Sergeant Massie said he and his team love most about their job. "The best part about my job is being able to take a piece of raw metal and then shape it into something cool," he elaborated. "Our job is always evolving and there is always something new to learn." And, it's not just aircraft parts or equipment they have their hands in creating. "All over this base are items we design, fabricated, machined and welded," explained Sergeant Massie. "Items made in metals technology will still be here for many years to come." And their creations, such as the B-5 stand safety improvement, will not only be around for a long time, but could potentially save some one from serious injury, or even death. "Safety improvements are very important," continue the sergeant. "The step we made is supposed to prevent a person from stepping through the gap between ladder and platform." But it's not just the safety of others with which these Airmen are concerned. Every day, they go to work in an environment filled with razor edged cutters, molten-metal spewing welders, and bone crushing machines. For them, safety isn't just a buzz word; it's quite literally is a way of life. "We have weekly safety briefings ensuring shop safety is the top priority," explained Sergeant Massie. "There's always the possibility of cuts, burns, eye injuries or even the loss of a limb." Despite these dangers, the Airmen continue to operate safely, providing an invaluable service to the base, and love what they do. "It's great being able to work with our hands," said Sergeant Massie. "Machining and welding is something that not everyone's able to do; you must be able think outside the box or be able to make changes at a moment's notice. "At the end of the day we can look at a product what it may be and say 'I made that,'" he concluded. The 434th MXS provides maintenance support to the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom, which is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
