New aircraft maintenance squadron at Patrick Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By By Capt. Leslie Forshaw
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

The 920th Rescue Wing gained a new maintenance squadron during a ceremony here August 7.

 

Maj. Lori Mann, assumed command of the 720th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron responsible for worldwide rapid deployment of six combat-ready HC-130P/N tanker aircraft used as both a jump platform and to refuel HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters in support of combat and civilian search and rescue, as well as manned spaceflight launch support.

 

The new squadron falls under the full spectrum of maintenance operations of the Air Force Reserve’s busiest wing commanded by Col. Peter Wojciechowski. Its two sub squadrons will now become three. Before, the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was tasked with the maintenance of both of the wing’s aforementioned fixed and rotary wing aircraft; now, each aircraft has a dedicated crew.

 

“Having two separate squadrons allows maintainers to enhance skills on their assigned airframe,” said Mann.

 

Along with establishing a new squadron, the 920th Maintenance Group is growing with new manpower positions, “including mine,” said Mann.

 

The process of standing up a new squadron was a year in the making.

 

“It’s challenging because nothing is in place,” she said. “You literally build from the ground up. From finding office space to recruiting new rescue maintainers, it’s no easy task,” said Mann.

 

Prior to her current assignment, Mann commanded the 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York.

 

Mann said it was an easy transition because of her experience.

 

“It’s like building a house, you need a plan, it takes time and you want the best people to build a stellar squadron - just like you want the best contractor to build a strong, solid house,” she said.

 

“Being the first commander of the 720th AMXS is such an honor,” Mann said. “It is my responsibility to set the squadron up for future success and take care of the maintainers that call the 720th AMXS their home.”

 

Mann was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2002.  She has served in a variety of positions during her career as an enlisted airman and commissioned officer and has deployed in support of many different overseas combat operations to include assisting the FBI and DEA on various drug interdiction missions.

 

In addition to the tanker C-130, Mann has maintenance experience with the many other types of aircraft to include cargo, attack and fighters. She also has munitions maintenance experience with a variety of different ordinance.

 

The 920th RQW is Air Force Reserve Command's only combat-search-and-rescue wing. Its primary mission is to locate and recover U.S. Armed Forces and coalition personnel during military operations. The wing also provides civil search and rescue, humanitarian disaster relief and safety/security assistance during rocket launches and is in the process of preparing to provide astronaut rescue in the future in manned spaceflight.