Senior Airman Nicholas Nelson and Staff Sgt.Ryan Kulver, 31st Maintenance Squadron Transit Alert crew chiefs, schedule aircraft ground equipment for incoming aircraft. The TA shop no assigned to Aviano, these aircraft include NATO forces, rotators taking Airmen to and from various locations, C-130 Hercules used to support joint exercises, and those belonging to friendly foreign nations. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Tabitha Mans)

A blue "Follow Me" truck leads the way for aircraft visiting Aviano's flightline. The Transit Alert provides services to aircraft not assigned to Aviano. These aircraft include NATO forces, rotators taking Airmen to and from various locations, C-130 Hercules used to support joint exercises, and those belonging to friendly foreign nations. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Tabitha Mans)

Transit Alert: Aviano's own ambassadors in blue

Published May 21, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Nadine Y. Barclay
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Whether it's calling for an aircraft refueling truck, requesting aircraft ground equipment, or just responding to an in-flight emergency, Aviano's Transit Alert has it covered.

Once on the ground, a pilot's first view are those of the professional men and women keeping the skies and runway clear with a blue "Follow Me" truck.

Not a typical sight but for those who land here, it's a guarantee that they're in good hands.

Usually the first to interact with and welcome visitors to Aviano, the personnel assigned to the TA shop are Aviano's own ambassadors in blue.

"I love my job; it's awesome," said Senior Airman Nicholas Nelson, 31st Maintenance Squadron TA crew chief. "I get to work with people from all different nationalities and their aircraft. I get to use my communication skills to make the mission happen."

Servicing aircraft not assigned to Aviano, the seven-member TA shop has caught more than 200 aircraft since Jan. 1. These aircraft include NATO forces, rotators taking Airmen to and from various locations, C-130 Hercules used to support joint exercises, and those belonging to friendly foreign nations.

"It gives me a greater sense of pride when I think about the job that my shop is able to do. We truly exhibit the phrase, 'doing more with less'," said Airman Nelson.

While communicating with foreign nationals sometimes presents a challenge, the Airmen at the TA shop must also know when to coordinate with other base agencies.

"I think the services that the TA shop provides to the 31st Fighter Wing and its mission are essential," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Kluver, Transit Alert crew chief. "We are the first people who respond to incoming aircraft. We do our best to provide our guests with fast and quality maintenance; thus helping to improve international partnerships."

No matter where aircraft are coming from or going to, rest assured that they are in good hands.