Combat Airlifter of the Week: Tech. Sgt. Joe Hayes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristine M. Gruwell
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Name and Rank: Tech. Sgt. Joe Hayes

Unit: 19th Maintenance Squadron

Duty title: Nondestructive inspection supervisor

Hometown: Parsons, Tennessee

Time in service: 14 years

Time at Little Rock: 2 years

Goals: Finish Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Hobbies: Spending time with family, Tennessee Volunteers football, and grilling

Air Force Core Value portrayed:  Excellence in All We Do

Why was the individual selected and how do they display the core value?  An immediate action time compliance technical order was published requiring an internal inspection on C-130 H/J wing rainbow fittings. Hayes quickly established a plan of action to thoroughly inspect the critical areas. He organized two teams to work with aircraft structural maintenance and flight line personnel to prioritize the inspections. This resulted in 13 grounded aircraft being returned to service with no negative impact to flying operations.