STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. – -- Teamwork makes the dream work - or in this case, teamwork boosts mission capability.
The 105th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron welcomed a team of Airmen from the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, an Air Force Reserve unit from the 315th Airlift Wing based out of Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, for a week-long training collaboration from in June 2025.
The collaboration strengthened relations between the Guard and Reserve components by allowing Airmen to work side-by-side with and gain experience from Airmen in a different part of the Air Force.
“This training prepared Airmen of all ranks to integrate and collaborate with teams from the total force, a critical component to mission execution on a global stage,” said New York Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Sterner, 105th AMXS C-17 production superintendent.
During the week-long training, maintenance Airmen shared best practices and knowledge, talked about unique challenges they face, past and present, and were challenged to think outside their comfort zones. This experience will help prevent Airmen from being blindsided with issues their peers have already encountered and enable them to solve potential maintenance issues in the future, according to Sterner.
The 105th’s arsenal of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft benefited from the training too.
“The small boost in manning in maintenance allowed our shops to split into teams and work on multiple aircraft at once,” Sterner said.
The more time 105th AMXS Airmen get to touch and work on the aircraft, benefits our Mission Ready Aircraft, Sterner added.
Some of the work done on the 105th’s aircraft was antenna troubleshooting, preparing aircraft for multiple upcoming missions, including an aeromedical evacuation mission and an airshow, replacing main landing gear tires and a brake system, a full aircraft inspection, changing fire extinguisher and life raft containers and more.
Airmen from the 315th gained beneficial experience during their time here as well.
At their home base, Charleston AFB, 315th maintainers work with their active duty counterparts on the C-17 based on mission priority, which has a faster pace due to the active duty nature. Training with the 105th’s aircraft and Airmen allowed the 315th to experience a different-paced mission and become fully qualified in their roles, according to Air Force Reserve Maj. Chris Long, 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron director of operation.
One 315th Airman, Senior Airman Elaine Grubbs, 315th AMXS maintainer, was able to complete her five-level upgrade training while here at the 105th, Long said.
“We were able to help you guys, to make you guys better by getting your aircraft greened up for maintenance actions, but you helped green up our people,” Long said. “Because your guys worked with us, [Grubbs] finished the last step she needed for her five-level certification.”
Going back to their home base fully qualified will enable 315th Airmen to make the Air Force mission happen worldwide, Long added.
This training opportunity not only set up maintainers to work seamlessly with Airmen from across the Air Force in future training events and real-world mobility situations, but it also enhanced individual skills, strengthened relationships and showcased the maintainers' readiness and ability to execute the Air Force mission in any scenario.