86th LRS Airman supports Air Force One

Story and photo by
Airman 1st Class Jennifer Gonzales
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Scott “Scotty” Plante, 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron preventative maintenance technician, shakes hands with Brig. Gen. Mark R. August, 86th Airlift Wing commander, on Ramstein Air Base, July 26. Plante received the honor of being Airlifter of the Week for his fuel support of Air Force One, eliminating 20 workplace hazards and enabling 100 percent tracking of all trucks going in and out of service.

There are many responsibilities that come with being part of preventative maintenance personnel. The 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight provides minor maintenance on vehicles to ensure they don’t break down during missions, monthly inspections on the fuel fleet, and weekly inspections on 12 government-owned vehicles.
Senior Airman Scott “Scotty” Plante, 86th LRS preventative maintenance technician, went above and beyond those responsibilities.
He streamlined the PMT facility and status board system, which eliminated 20 workplace hazards and enabled 100 percent tracking of tools as well as vehicles going in and out of service.
“It was a team effort,” said Plante. “I have really good Airmen underneath me. Airman 1st Class Joshua Holland helped me out a lot.”
Furthermore, Plante propelled presidential support by preparing and deploying R-11 fuel trucks ahead of schedule. He also maintained operational capability to support Exercise Astral Knight, Exercise Swift Response, and Operation Silver Arrow, despite having 33 percent of the R-11 refueling fleet deployed.
“For Scotty to be able to go out and get the R-11s out there, to actually support Air Force One, is impressive,” said Brig. Gen. Mark R. August, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “To say that we are going to provide the same level of support right here at Ramstein Air Base with a reduction in the fuel fleet is due to the efforts of one amazing Airman.”
The Airlifter of the Week program recognizes Ramstein Airmen who, through hard work and dedication, make the 86th AW the “World’s Best Wing.