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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Rivera, 86th Maintenance Squadron repair and reclamation journeyman, is a key component in keeping aircraft in the air at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 29.
The R&R shop here performs repairs on old parts to get them back into working order along with restoring, recovering or recycling assets, ensuring all parts are properly indexed to prevent recirculation of overworked assets.
Arriving in February, 2023, Rivera started his journey in isochronal inspections where he learned how to ensure serviceability of aircraft components. From there, he gained experience in the wheels and tires shop before being transferred to the R&R shop.
His drive to develop his job proficiency took root and resulted in his selection for a unique learning opportunity in the form of an 82nd D-Day anniversary mission.
“It was my Staff Sergeant and I,” Rivera said. “We were on different 12-hour shifts so we could provide 24-hour coverage.”
Though the responsibility may have been daunting for such a young Airman, Rivera’s leadership trusted him due to his eagerness to learn and his demonstrated capability to proficiently accomplish the mission.
“From everyday wrench turning to exciting recovery responses, Michael is consistently hungry to learn,” said Tech. Sgt. Ralph Oswald, 86th MXS R&R section chief. “His drive stems from a goal he set very early on in his career: to be the best, most knowledgeable maintainer he can possibly be.”
Rivera also enables the 86th Airlift Wing’s Crashed Damaged Disabled Aircraft Recovery program. While uncommon, CDDAR trained personnel respond to aircraft experiencing issues such as hard landings, blown tires, or a variety of emergency, unplanned scenarios. They train to help repair aircraft and clear runways ensuring minimum impacts to mission readiness in a time of need.
Highlighting a unique aspect of the CDDAR team, Rivera discussed their use of specialized equipment, including inflatable lifting bags which raise disabled aircraft for rapid and sometimes austere work.
Recently, the team responded to an annual short-notice barrier engagement with an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, validating their arresting cable system.
“It was on one end of the runway, sped up and caught the cable then we got in and undid the cable which required us to use a tow vehicle to remove the tail hook,” Rivera said.
As an Airman assigned to the R&R shop, he learned how to employ multiple maintenance disciplines such as how to replace an Aileron boost pack, perform refueling and defueling and support hydraulic and engine maintenance.
In his time off he works toward his Community College of the Air Force education with the goal of earning his Airframe and Powerplant license.
“Rivera is a proud example of what it means to be a Senior Airman in our career field,” said Oswald. “He leads small teams through complex maintenance and can be consistently relied on to perform at a level beyond his rank. He is an outstanding Airman and an even better teammate.”
Rivera’s leadership recently nominated him as the Maintenance Professional of the Quarter, demonstrating his stand-out performance and impact in the unit. Every day, he aspires to be the person others can reliably turn to for answers and guidance.
