Thunderbolt of the Week

Senior Airman Andrew Jones 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Conventional Maintenance Crew Member Hometown: Portland, Ore. Years in service: five Family: Wife, Tamara Education: Pursuing an associate degree in mechanical studies from Universal Technical Institute Previous assignments: Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas Inspirations: Tech. Sgt. Reed, for his stiff hand and guidance Goals: To graduate from UTI and move into the BMW enhancement program Greatest feat: Passing physical training test Self-description: Relaxed, focused and goal-oriented Famous last words: “We build bombs — what’s up!” Off-duty interests: Cars Commander’s comments: “Airman Jones is an exceptional professional to the munitions production team,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin Alley, 56th EMS commander. “As a conventional maintenance crew member; Airman Jones’ leadership was key in the production of 2,000 MK-82 live bombs, 90,000 practice bombs and 820,000 aircraft countermeasures. His tireless efforts provided uninterrupted munitions support to the 56th Fighter Wing allowing more than 21,000 successful flying sorties for fiscal year 2007. During his recent deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Airman Jones maintained CENTAF’s largest munitions stockpile valued at more than $1.7 billion. He provided outstanding munitions support to 13 forward operating locations in three combat theaters. In addition, Airman Jones has been instrumental in the implementation of two LEAN initiatives for the Munitions Flight. His improvement team increased the efficiency of 20mm ammunition processing operations by 25 percent and reduced chaff/flare trailer movement by 32.2 miles a day by cutting the amount of trips between the munitions storage area and the flightline by 50 percent. Airman Jones innovation, can-do attitude, and leadership ability daily emulates Thunderbolt pride.”