AIR MOBILITY COMMAND WELL DONE AWARD Presented to TSGT ADRIAN SAETERN
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On July 13, 2021, TSgt Adrian Saetern from the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, identified a safety hazard within six C-5M maintenance manual tasks for visor operation. This safety hazard directed maintainers to release the Pilot Valve Assist (A-PVA) on the loading control manifold while performing manual operation of the visor system. Once the A-PVA is released, the ramp extension rapidly falls from its own weight when pressure is no longer powering the manifold. The ramp extension’s falling can cause major damage to the aircraft and/or personnel deaths. The normal operation of the forward loading system specifically states that the ramp extension must be tied down with tie-down straps when the visor is opened and the ground control switch is incomplete. This procedure has the same effect in manual operation when the A-PVA is released because the ground control switch powers the A-PVA. Saetern took immediate action and submitted six urgent-action Air Force Technical Order Form 22s to add additional warnings and ensure the steps are performed in the proper sequence. Air Mobility Command approved Saetern’s recommendations within 24 hours. Saetern’s actions drove the release of an Air Force-wide Operational Supplement, and his expertise and keen eye for safety helped prevent future damage to the aircraft and personnel deaths.