Kokomo Ivy Tech students, staff tour Grissom Published Aug. 11, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- While many visitors come to Grissom to see the KC-135R Stratotanker, one group of visitors were more focused on the fabrications and mechanics that keep them in the air. Ivy Tech students and staff from Kokomo, Ind., got an up-close look at a KC-135R Stratotanker and the work needed to keep the aircraft mission-ready during a tour here July 22, 2015. The first stop was the 434th Maintenance Squadron fabrication shop. Here students and staff learned how metals technology specialists build parts that can no longer be acquired due to the age of the aircraft. "The fabrications shop allowed students an opportunity to explore their options and see what the world of 'work' is going to be like after they graduate and start pursuing careers," said Jennifer Hughes, Ivy Tech Community College integrated technology education program advisor. "[The metals technology specialists] did a fantastic job at letting students know what they do. "These kids are studying CNC and automotive mechanics so the tour was fascinating for them; the staff had some really tough questions to answer and they did great," Hughes added. Afterwards, the group headed out to the flight line to tour a 434th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R, where pilots and crewmembers showed them around the aircraft and answered questions. "The [air crew] were excellent," explained Hughes. "When we toured the airplane, they really went out of their way to explain the mechanics and answer all the questions the students had; we'll definitely be back for tours in the future." Grissom holds tours for groups of 15 or more people. Tour info and request forms can be found on the questions page of the unit web site. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
