An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .mil
A
.mil
website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
lock
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Skip to main content (Press Enter).
HOME
LEADERSHIP
Commander
Deputy Commander
Chief of Staff
Senior Enlisted Leader
Leadership
ABOUT USINDOPACOM
History
USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility
USPACOM Previous Commanders
Organization Chart
Women, Peace and Security
Indo-Pacific Health Security Alliance - IPhsa
About USINDOPACOM
MEDIA
NEWS
Press Releases and Readouts
Photos
Speeches / Testimony
Freedom of Information Act
FOIA - Reading Room
Submit FOIA Request
Request Status
FOIA FAQS
2024 Banner Photos
Media
RESOURCES
Travel Requirements
Useful Theater Information
FAQ
Useful Links
Newcomers
Resources
CONTACT
Media Inquiries
Industry Engagements
Contact
JTF - RED HILL
JTF-MICRONESIA
Search
Home
Media
NEWS
News Article View
Home
Media
NEWS
News Article View
HOME
LEADERSHIP
Commander
Deputy Commander
Chief of Staff
Senior Enlisted Leader
ABOUT USINDOPACOM
History
USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility
USPACOM Previous Commanders
Organization Chart
Women, Peace and Security
Indo-Pacific Health Security Alliance - IPhsa
MEDIA
NEWS
Press Releases and Readouts
Photos
Speeches / Testimony
Freedom of Information Act
FOIA - Reading Room
Submit FOIA Request
Request Status
FOIA FAQS
2024 Banner Photos
RESOURCES
Travel Requirements
Useful Theater Information
FAQ
Useful Links
Newcomers
CONTACT
Media Inquiries
Industry Engagements
JTF - RED HILL
JTF-MICRONESIA
Don’t Mock the Maintenance Operations Center
08 July 2021
From Senior Airman Demond McGhee
Download
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Operating and maintaining aircraft is hard work, and when the going gets tough the 18th Maintenance Operations Center (MOC) is ready to answer the call.
With 26 Airmen working around-the-clock, the MOC serves as the liaison for all of Kadena’s aircraft maintenance units by responding whenever there is a need for supplies or mission updates.
Calls for assistance can include jet refuels, tow requests, engine runs and being connected with fellow maintenance organizations for cooperative operations.
The MOC also responds to situations that may involve direct danger to personnel on the flight line or conditions that can deter mission capabilities, such as performing a recall when there is lightning within five miles of the base.
“The 18th Maintenance Group is PACAF’s busiest MOC,” said Tech. Sgt. Cristian Jaramillo, 18th Maintenance Group MOC assistant section chief. “We directly support the KC-135, HH-60, F-15, and E-3 aircraft assigned and also provide support to all Navy, Marine Corps and transient aircraft that arrive in Kadena.”
The support provided for aircraft can range from tracking flights and their crews to overseeing typhoon sheltering for U.S. and allied nation aircraft.
Airmen from each AMU can volunteer or get selected to help the operations center have a variety of different job backgrounds and mindsets. The accepted individuals are then brought in for at least a two-year rotation before returning to their original duties.
“Whenever a problem comes up that involves a certain shop we can make a better judgment call on what we need because we have information from our personnel,” said Staff Sgt. Keith Weitz, 18th MXG MOC senior board controller. “It also helps people create a wider network once they leave the MOC, so we have those contacts and friendships when we’re busy with maintenance.”
As missions are performed and data is gathered, the MOC consolidates all information they have regarding operations into slides to share with the maintenance group commander. These slides tell the commander how the AMUs are performing to then pass on to further leaders who may need the information.
During emergencies, the MOC provides commanders with 24/7 notification capabilities and allows them to make quick decisions as a situation develops, and ensures all assets are protected.
“Without the MOC, units would be severely hindered or delayed in getting support,” Jaramillo said. “We make it easy for local leadership to pinpoint issues to address in order to maximize aircraft availability and flexibility for any situation that may occur.”
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
"Just sitting side by side, eating together, sharing good meals together, that m...
Working with our network of allies and partners ensures a #FreeandOpenIndoPacifi...
Adm. Phil Davidson at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia. #...
Join us LIVE at the Halifax International Security Forum this Saturday! Adm. Dav...
"We must work together, across academia, industry, the government, and the milit...
"USINDOPACOM’s cyber strategy emphasizes backing the region’s joint and combined...
"To all our veterans who've worn the cloth of our nation, thank you for answerin...
"It's important that the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Australia & other friends & a...
United States Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David L. Goldfein spent his early ...
It’s Happening. Tiger TRIUMPH, the first ever tri-service exercise between the ...
Happy Veteran's Day to our past, present and future #Veterans. #FreeandOpenIndoP...
Stronger together for a #FreeandOpenIndoPacific
“Our veterans past, and the servicemen and women of today, have helped to preser...
Commander @INDOPACOM Adm. Phil Davidson, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chi...
Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander U.S.Indo-Pacific Command, meets with Tarō Kōno, Ja...
Gen. David L. Goldfein has a short message to our adversaries: We're here, and...
ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM
Guidance-Card-Icon
Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon