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The ultimate decision is precision

  • Published
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  As an Airman arrives to the secluded building distinguished only by the letters P.M.E.L., he enters through double doors and prepares to take on the mountain of gear in his path.

Airmen assigned to the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory flight are responsible for numerous equipment items found around Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and are mission ready at a moment’s notice.

The 20th Fighter Wing PMEL flight provides various equipment checks and services, supporting 192 work centers across 12 active-duty wings and three Air National Guard wings.

The PMEL Laboratory, one of three sections is divided into three flights: Physical/Dimensional, Waveform Analysis and DC/Low Frequency Electrical Measurements.

Working as one, these divisions conduct maintenance on equipment ranging from the calibration of gas mask fit test machines to fuel pressure gauges throughout the base.

“Our work is not just radar and wrenches,” said Master Sgt. Khoa Nguyen 20th Component Maintenance Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Laboratory. “We calibrate temperature gauges used by metals technology, traction scales utilized by the 20th Medical Group and a number of other types of equipment.”

As well as being responsible for calculating the effectiveness of various pieces of equipment, PMEL Airman calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair gear totaling more than 9,600 support equipment annually.

“We ensure that support equipment utilized on aircraft and tools on base meet stated specifications and tolerances,” said Nguyen. “We are ensuring that the equipment is safe, accurate, reliable and traceable.”

In order to perform their job, a significant level of attention to detail and adaptability is required above all else, even the slightest error can result in failure.

“PMEL Airmen are tested on equipment and must be able to examine and adapt some general technical orders for various assets,” said Nguyen. “Airmen must be able to examine an equipment item for the most miniscule margins of error.”

In 2014 the flight’s manpower was reduced due to a number of Air Force initiatives, yet base operation continued.

“Although manning was low, our Airmen were able to accomplish the calibrations at an expedited pace to continue to meet the mission requirements,” said Nguyen.

Airmen assigned to the flight work past duty hours regularly to execute the 20th Fighter Wing mission of providing combat ready airpower and Airmen to meet any challenge, anytime, and anywhere.

“Airmen come in early and stay late,” said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Huffstickler, 20th CMS TMDE physical/dimensional section supervisor. “If there is an error, many of these Airmen will stay late voluntarily, until it is resolved.”

When the day draws to an end and the mountain of gear conquered, the Airman proceeds to put his top back on and returns home to prepare for the following day of calculations and calibrations which await in the morning.