100th MXS Airmen keep the wheels turning

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabitha Lee
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The 100th Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire shop work around-the-clock to ensure RAF Mildenhall aircraft can take-off and land safely.

"We are responsible for the break-down, cleaning, inspection, and build-up of all KC-135 Stratotanker wheels and tires that come through our shop," said Master Sgt. Charles Pope, 100th Maintenance Squadron repair and reclaim section non-commission officer in charge.

The shop also supports the 352nd Special Operations Group, the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron and they have recently begun supporting two forward-deployed locations in support of Operation Unified Protector.

On average, the wheel and tire shop return about 10 main and four nose wheel tire assemblies per week to the supply. Some of the assemblies are about four feet in diameter and weigh more than 250 pounds.

"We break down many more than that, depending on what is returned to supply as unserviceable and what we have available to build up serviceable assemblies," said Sergeant Pope.

Once a serviceable assembly is made, it has a lifespan ranging from two to nine months.

"It all depends on what the aircraft is doing," Sergeant Pope said. "The aircraft activity, condition of the runway, weather and the location of the aircraft are all factors on how fast a tire is worn out."

Additionally, these Airmen are trained in aero repair, which is the repair of landing gear and flight controls for KC-135's and several other aircraft.

"Our Airmen are amongst some of the finest crew chiefs I've had the honor to work with here, and are always up for the challenge to put the best tanker fleet in the Air Force in the air," said Sergeant Pope.