Aviation Rotation 19-3: Portraits in Poland

by Staff Sgts. Jimmie D. Pike and
Devin Nothstine
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

POWIDZ AIR BASE, Poland — Airmen assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing deployed to Powidz Air Base, Poland, to support the 52nd Operations Group Detachment 1 during Aviation Rotation 19-3, a bilateral training exercise with their Polish counterparts. Approximately 100 Airmen from more than 10 Air Force specialties supported the endeavor to complete mission objectives.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Poindexter, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, was responsible for general aircraft maintenance and repairs, which keep the aircraft capable of completing missions.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Devin Nothstine, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs broadcast journalist, shows off his equipment prior to takeoff from Powidz Air Base, Poland, July 11. As a member of public affairs and a broadcaster, Nothstine was responsible for documenting operations, creating and distributing videos, and working with media outlets to highlight U.S. and Polish efforts during Aviation Rotation 19-3.   
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Schickedanz, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, looks out of a C-130J Super Hercules cargo door during a flight over Powidz Air Base, Poland, July 18. As a loadmaster, Schickedanz assisted in the proper configuration of equipment, pallets, and personnel loaded in the C-130J Super Hercules for safe operation.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kenneth Saunders, 435th Contingency Response Squadron mobile aerial porter, examines a pallet at Powidz Air Base, Poland, July 13. As a mobile aerial porter, Saunders assisted in teaching new processes and techniques to his Polish counterparts during Aviation Rotation 19-3.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Valine, 435th Contingency Response Squadron landing zone safety officer, provides control support for Airmen deployed in support of Aviation Rotation 19-3 at Powidz Air Base, Poland, July 20. Landing zone safety officers set up landing strips, communicate with incoming aircraft, and ensure the integrity of the landing area for a safe arrival of aircraft.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Glennon, 37th Airlift Squadron first sergeant, stands outside the air traffic control tower at Powidz Air Base, Poland, July 20. During Aviation Rotation 19-3, Glennon was integral to the morale and welfare of the Airmen supporting the missions by assisting with transportation, communication, and event planning.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Julie Kae, 86th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster, participates in an interview at Powidz Air Base, Poland, July 10. Kae was the sole forecaster deployed with the 37th Airlift Squadron in support of Aviation Rotation 19-3 and was responsible for conducting research, consolidating weather information, and briefing aircrew members before flights.