ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Team members from the 97th Maintenance Squadron in the hydraulics shop gave a tour to Sheppard Air Force Base students from the 364th Training Squadron aircraft hydraulics system course at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Jan. 24, 2025.
The intent of the tour was to show students what their operational jobs will look like after their 49-day course.
“The students have a narrow scope here at Sheppard,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Fletcher, 364th Training Squadron aircraft hydraulics instructor. “They know the information retained during tech school will be a huge factor in supporting their respective duty stations, but nothing compares to being in an operational environment.”
Hydraulic shop team members gave the students a peek into the real-world environment they will soon step into, with briefings on the three main aircraft housed at Altus AFB: KC-46 Pegasus, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-135 Stratotanker. They also demonstrated how a team needs to operate to ensure total mission success.
“We explained everything to them, step by step,” said Gustavo Garduno, 97th MXS pneudraulics aircraft mechanic. “We walked them through everything we do so they could get a more realistic view of their jobs.”
The 97th MXS hydraulics shop mainly focuses on overhauling different components on the KC-135 and the C-17. They also receive hydraulic parts from bases around the world to fix. Showing this portion of their work ensured the students received a complete view of what to expect in the operational world.
“I hope the students walked away knowing how much pride we take in our work,” said Garduno. “We are here to support the mission and give 100 percent to it.”