Maintenance Airman represents AFGSC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Senior Airman Taleah McGriff, 741st Maintenance Squadron power refrigeration and electrical lab technician, was hand selected to represent the 341st Missile Wing at the 2016 Air Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Convention held Sept. 19–21 in Washington D.C.

The goal behind Airmen attending the convention is to provide an opportunity to share their experiences with other commands and educate others on what it takes to carry out their part of respective major command missions as subject matter experts.

McGriff, originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, was selected to represent AFGSC because of her excellence and dedication to her career field.

“We originally had about six Airmen to choose from,” said Chief Master Sgt. Minnette Bohlander, 741st MXS superintendent. “When we started evaluating, (McGriff’s) outstanding performance made her stand out from her peers.”

McGriff and her fellow Airmen work on the electrical systems and engines of payload transporters which are semi-trucks utilized by the Air Force to transport intercontinental ballistic missile related components.

“I work with a team to fix the PTs when something goes wrong,” said McGriff. “We take care of electrical panels in the back of the cab, but I would say our most important job I would say is to fix the hoists in the trailers.”

McGriff maintains the hoists inside the trailers of the PTs which is a critical capability in caring for missiles. While in the silo and during transportation, maintaining a certain temperature is critical.

“We also maintain the refrigeration systems, which are basically air conditioners for the missiles in the silo,” said McGriff. “The missiles have to be kept at a certain temperature.”

McGriff and her peers perform maintenance critical to mission success.

“McGriff and her peers in the PREL shop provide maintenance for payload transporters, transporter erectors and electrical systems that are critical to the mission,” said Bohlander. “They ensure that these systems are ready to go when the mission calls.”

McGriff has worked in the PREL shop since she arrived to Malmstrom in early 2015.

“I love what I do,” said McGriff. “However, I do hope to be able to move from a back shop position to actually working out in the field to better understand the maintenance career field as a whole.”

Even though McGriff has been in missile maintenance for only two years, she has excelled and gone above and beyond Air Force standards.

“Her performance is outstanding,” said Bohlander. “She made Airman below the zone, is preparing for deployment and always goes above and beyond. When we look for Airmen (to represent our wing), she has all the qualifications. I see her having a bright future.”

McGriff also said that she was excited to have the opportunity to represent the 341st Missile Wing at the convention before she deploys.

“I intend on making this a career,” said McGriff. “I’m busy trying to balance everything at once, like the conference, getting ready to deploy and spending time with my husband before I leave. But it’s good. I’m happy about being chosen.”