RAF MILDENHALL, England -- When a manning crisis occurs in a squadron, Total Force Integration can be a lifesaver. Maj. Phillip Johnson, an aircraft maintenance officer from the 134th Air Refueling Wing, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, has been just that.
During the summer, the 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was looking at a looming manning gap for an aircraft maintenance operations officer position. To help fill the void, Johnson came in on a 90-day deployment to man that position.
“Maj. Johnson being here has been a godsend,” said Maj. Mitchell Foy, 100th AMXS commander. Prior to Johnson’s seven years in the Tennessee Air National Guard, he logged eight years as an active duty maintenance officer. “With him, I don’t have to worry about operations at all. I know he’s got it 100 percent handled,” Foy continued.
Not only does Johnson have a wealth of experience as a military aircraft maintenance officer, he also brings production knowledge from working as a production group leader for the V-6 and V-8 engines at Toyota in the civilian sector.
Undoubtedly, there are similarities with working in both the aircraft maintenance and automobile manufacturing worlds.
“There’s a lot of interchangeability between the flow of operations, ensuring people are trained and ensuring the quality of products,” Johnson said.
His civilian experience and ingenuity has added an edge to 100th AMXS.
“Having him come here fully trained, bringing with him the extensive knowledge that he has, I can’t even begin to quantify how beneficial this has been for our squadron,” Foy said.
The 100th AMXS has continued to provide world-class support for the 15 KC-135s supporting the African and European theaters.