LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Ryan Anderson, 47th Maintenance Directorate sheet metal technician, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of May 9, 2018, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Charlie Velino, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
Anderson is regarded as an outstanding sheet metal technician by his leadership, catching their eyes with multiple, complex structural repairs, in less than ideal positions.
“There are many factors that make some of the repairs we do complex but the most common reason is the lack of accessibility to the repair area,” Anderson said. “The uplock fitting, for example, requires you to drill and sand into a major structural beam that is critical not to damage. It’s also in an area with very limited access to drill the new fitting.”
Anderson repaired three of Laughlin’s T-1 Jayhawks’ vertical stabilizers, after the fleet took a major hit in the 2016 hail storm and struggled to get back in the air.
He also repaired seven T-1 flight control section support beams, as well as nine main landing gear brace fittings, which become worn out with flying.
“They are both major structural components that are required to be repaired before the jet can fly,” he said. “The uplock fitting locks the landing gear in place when they are retracted, and the flight control beam supports the bell crank that controls the rudder. So, it is vital to repair and or replace those structures to prevent further damage and to insure proper function of the affected aircraft systems.”
On top of cranking out aircraft repairs, his leadership says he “exhibits tremendous skill and has a ‘can do’ attitude.” They also explained he is a “shining star” who “continually passes on his knowledge to other technicians so they achieve similar results.”
“I think it is very important to be a team player and help out co-workers with a positive attitude every chance you get, it brings better atmosphere to the shop,” Anderson said.
With a good atmosphere every team works better, and according to Anderson, Laughlin’s fabrication shop is exactly that – a team he’s grateful to be a part of.
“I just want to say thanks to everyone in the fabrication shop for helping me out in so many ways and making me feel welcomed at Laughlin,” he said.
For going above and beyond in keeping Laughlin’s fleet in the fight and being a key piece within his unit, Ryan Anderson was awarded the XLer “of the week.”