SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – People drive cars daily and there is a reasonable expectation the vehicle will slow or come to a stop depending on how much force is placed on the brake pedal, starting a chain reaction that involves brake, or hydraulic, fluid.
Similar concepts are taught in the aircraft hydraulic systems apprentice course at Sheppard AFB, a course 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. William H. Krieger aced recently. Krieger, a native of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, scored 100s on each block exam in the 364th Training Squadron course.
The 49-day course included the basics of aircraft hydraulics, how to troubleshoot and repair problems, pressure checking hydraulic systems, servicing hydraulic lines and other maintenance procedures. Krieger and his classmates graduate July 3, 2018.
Rank and name: Tech. Sgt. William H. Krieger
Unit: 193rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Duty title: Aircraft hydraulic systems specialist
Hometown: Shamokin, Pennsylvania
Why you joined the Air Force: Family history of service
Family: Wife, Amanda; son, Brandt
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing
Favorite aspect of job: Camaraderie among Airmen
Most memorable Air Force experience: Deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and witnessing the product of hard work.
How do you make responsible choices: I reflect on the Air Force core values, always putting service before self, excellence in all I do and, of course, integrity first.
Instructor comment:
“This award is significant due to the persistence and devotion required to obtain 100 percent on all of our tests,” said Tech. Sgt. Chad Cunningham, 364th TRS aircraft hydraulic systems instructor. “Tech. Sgt. Krieger led by example by not only pushing himself but his classmates as well. His experience and professionalism proved invaluable to the rest of the class.”