Command Chief shadows 349th Maintenance Squadron Airman

  • Published
  • By 349th Air Mobility Wing
  • Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  During the September unit training assembly (UTA), Senior Airman Steven Young, 349th Maintenance Squadron, was selected to demonstrate the basic metal hand forming technique with Chief Master Sgt. Ericka Kelly, 349th Air Mobility Wing Command Chief.

Young demonstrated practical, bend radii process to Kelly. This process is perpendicular to the grain of the sheet stock and includes the use of box and pan brakes, table vise, 5 pound rubber forming mallet, and wooden rawhide mallet.

Kelly and Young implemented by hand a very labor intensive process that requires bending metal, and where hitting the right angles are crucial. There are many different shapes of stakes including the beak horn, square, hatchet and blow horn shapes. The end result is a refined finished product that meets structural strength and contour requirements; for aircraft use in accordance with technical guidance.

Young is originally from Sacramento Calif., he joined the reserves April 2012, and completed his seasonal training  October 2014. 

Since completing seasonal training, Young has blazed a trail of success with 89 percent on his end of course exam (EOC) for his 5-level training. 

Young was later nominated for Airman of the Quarter; for the 2nd quarter fiscal year 2013.