RAF FAIRFORD, England -- The 420th Air Base Squadron Logistics Readiness Flight Vehicle Management (VM) shop at RAF Fairford keeps every mission moving by maintaining the vehicles that support aircraft, airfield operations, and base logistics.
From refuelers and tow tractors to fire trucks and forklifts, the shop’s work ensures the 501st Combat Support Wing can launch and recover aircraft without delay.
“We’re the warriors in the background,” said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hughes, 420th ABS LGRV Fleet Management and Analysis noncommissioned officer in charge. “If a refueler breaks down, the mission stops so we make sure that doesn’t happen.”
During the Royal International Air Tattoo and Bomber Task Force operations, the section responds to maintenance needs in real time, preparing and servicing dozens of vehicles and repairing critical assets such as refuelers to keep aircraft supported and missions on schedule.
Jason Hunter, 420th ABS LGRV Vehicle Management chief, said the section’s work directly enables flight operations and emergency response.
“We’re responsible for keeping the refuelers, fire trucks, and airfield support equipment serviceable,” Hunter said. “Without those vehicles, the runway shuts down. Our work keeps the Pathfinders in motion.”
Hunter, a former Royal Air Force member, leads a team of Airmen and civilian specialists dedicated to maintaining mission readiness. Under his direction, the shop has expanded its capabilities to meet the increasing demands of the 501st CSW.
“The fleet has nearly tripled in size since I got here,” Hunter said. “I can only see it getting bigger as the mission develops. We’re ready for it and looking forward to it.”