Merger provides Airmen chance to ‘weld’ new skills

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
Pacific Air Forces vehicle mechanics solder their training skills in a merged career field by learning a new trade at a welding school here. 

"Airmen going to the transportation squadron do not receive this form of training at their technical school," said Master Sgt. Charles Lakin, superintendent of the Pacific Air Force Transportation Training Center. "We are filling that void by teaching them the basic fundamentals in welding needed for certification." 

The mechanics undergo an 80-hour course that includes 57 hours of lab instruction and a Community College of the Air Force accreditation after completion. The students learn oxy acetylene welding, shielded metal arc welding, metal inert gas welding, and the more difficult task, tungsten inert gas welding. 

"I thought welding was just throwing metal on top of metal," said Senior Airman Christopher Swenson, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicular equipment maintenance journeyman, "but now I know the actual fundamentals of welding." 

According to Sergeant Lakin, the PACAF Transportation Training Center trains all vehicle maintenance personnel in the Pacific region and they also train the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy personnel, including the host-nation employees. 

"This a useful tool to learn when they deploy to the area of responsibility," the sergeant said. "There is a shortage on welding skills downrange and just having this knowledge behind them can help them out in the AOR as well." 

When the Air Force merged the body shop and maintenance units several years ago, the welding course here has enabled LRS to get things done themselves if they ever come across a problem, which saves time, Airman Swenson said. 

"I think in today's AF environment there is always a need for other disciplines in an Airman's tool box," Sergeant Lakin said. "We can make a well-rounded mechanic and give them other skills in other areas that can help them do their job." 

The PACAF TTC offers this course three times a year for transportation mechanics and maintenance related courses for personnel in the body shop career field.