15 MXS strengthens Mission Ready Airmen initiative

The 15th Maintenance Squadron is expanding its Airmen's capabilities through Mission Ready Airmen training, preparing maintainers to perform tasks outside their primary specialties.

The squadron began its current training effort in April 2026, initially selecting Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Washington, 15th MXS aircraft structural maintainer and wing corrosion manager, to learn general flight line maintenance tasks commonly performed by crew chiefs.

The training supports the Air Force’s Mission Ready Airmen concept by developing Airmen who can perform essential duties outside their normal specialties when mission requirements demand flexibility.

“We can then be more of a complete, all-around maintainer, so we're not just specific to one role,” said Tech. Sgt. Philip Druck, 15th MXS non-commissioned officer in charge. “We can all be relied upon if the mission needs us.”

For Washington, being selected as the first Airman to participate offered a unique opportunity to step outside his normal maintenance duties.

“When I first got notified that I was being selected for MRA, I was excited because it was something new,” Washington said. “I’m always open to new challenges.”

Over about three weeks, Washington received individual instruction on flight line tasks, including aircraft refueling, marshaling and towing.

Washington soon had the opportunity to apply his training while supporting a mission to Australia. During a stop in Guam, he performed aircraft refueling using a different system than the one he trained on at JBPHH. Once in Australia, he worked alongside crew chiefs to recover and service the aircraft.

“I felt like I was one of the guys,” Washington said. “I was able to fit right in without any hesitation due to the training I got before leaving here.”

Following Washington’s training, the 15th MXS expanded the initiative to approximately 20 maintainers from various shops and specialties across the squadron.

The cross-training provides the squadron with greater flexibility when supporting exercises and operations, particularly when manpower or specific maintenance specialties are limited.

“If you can take someone like myself and teach them these skills, it helps keep the mission moving,” said Washington. “Having Airmen who can step in and apply those skills helps prevent delays and keeps operations going.”

The squadron plans to continue expanding the training as it prepares maintainers for evolving maintenance requirements.

“Sergeant Washington was a great member to start this initiative with,” said Druck. “He showed that people outside of his career field can learn quickly and perform these tasks at the operational level.”

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