JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Airmen and families from the 437th Maintenance Group participated in a Spouse Orientation Tour June 7, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C.
The purpose of the tour was to familiarize family members with the mission and aircraft of the 437th MXG, and to provide the opportunity to see what their mothers, fathers and spouses were doing when they are away from home on missions or at work.
More than 70 spouses and family members took part in the event which covered four areas of the maintenance complex: Aerial Port Squadron, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Maintenance Squadron and Maintenance Operations Squadron. Families were greeted by Col. Dennis Dabney, 437th MXG commander, and given a welcome mission brief outlining our group's organizational structure and mission. Afterward, participants visited the four squadrons within the Group.
The 437th APS highlighted their uniqueness in that they share a flightline with the Charleston International Airport as well as some of the loading equipment used to load different types of aircraft.
At the 437th AMXS, families received a briefing on the CTK and took participants to their tool room explaining some of the specialized tools they used and their roles within the aircraft maintenance process. The third stop, the 437th MXS, provided insight into the Home Station Check inspection area, Fabrication Flight, Test, Measure and Diagnostic Equipment, and the Munitions shop. Finally, the groups visited the Maintenance Operations Squadron where they were shown Quality Assurance procedures and the maintenance management analysis shop.
"The tour guides kept things interesting for all of us, and my kids were thrilled with their passports," said Erika Douglass, 437th APS key spouse. "The food was tasty with a nice variety. We loved the Bingo game and the opportunity to win prizes. All those working the event seemed to be genuinely vested in it and no one appeared to be irritated to deal with the spouses and young children; in fact, many were playing with and helping deployed spouses with their children! We look forward to attending the next Family Day; there is always something new to be learned about the Maintenance Group mission!"
At the conclusion of the tour, families feasted on a traditional summer grill-out of hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and drinks and enjoyed games, an inflatable castle and prizes.
A number of agencies helped to make this event a success including the 437th Maintenance Operations for providing a static C-17, the 315th Reserve Unit and their miniature C-17, the 628th Fire Department provided a fire truck and water show, and the Squadron's Booster Club support and volunteers.