An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 28, 2012

Germany: Wyoming Air Guard engineers stay flexible, build experience at NATO School

By Tech. Sgt. Natalie Stanley 153rd Airlift Wing

OBERAMMERGAU, Germany - "Semper Gumby," or "always flexible," is the motto that Air Force Master Sgt. Lee Najera, the power production shop supervisor with the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Civil Engineering Squadron, lives by when it comes to his job.

"You have to remain flexible because you never know what you'll be doing next," said Najera.

Deployment training at Oberammergau, Germany, is no exception. Najera and his four-member group assisedt where needed: readying plastic grids for recycling, helping with NATO School roofing projects, operating heavy equipment and laying asphalt.

"The benefit of being a 'Jack of all trades' is always getting to learn something new," said Air Force Staff Sgt. C.J. Ostrander, a power production specialist with the 153rd CES.

With only one generator that needed servicing this trip, Airmen of the power production shop didn't use their primary job training which includes providing generator power services to electricians, maintaining generators and servicing aircraft arresting systems.

However, a lack of generator jobs didn't stop the team from using this training opportunity to learn new trades and brush up on skills not always available to them at home station.

"Everyone has pitched in and learned a lot this trip," said Najera. "It takes a lot of cooperation and coordination on everyone's part and they have all done very well."

 

 

Related Articles
Indiana National Guard leadership poses with front from right, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett Milton, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Adams, Sgt. 1st Class Adam Kabella and Sgt. Dalton McCollum, are recognized for their heroism during a ceremony at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. The soldiers received their awards for helping to save lives during Kentucky floods in February.
Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers Awarded Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, | Sept. 12, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Four Hoosier National Guard Soldiers received the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross awards during a Sept. 12 ceremony at Indiana National Guard headquarters at Stout Field.Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett...

U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training from Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2025, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft followed a route visible to many in Central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Air Guard Commemorates Patriot Day With Formation Training Flight
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 12, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day.This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II...

U.S. Army Capt. Mitchell Hagen teaches Ecuadorian servicemembers of the 9th Special Forces Brigade how to approximate the height of trees as part of a class on landing zone designation in Latacunga, Ecuador, Aug. 21, 2025. This final day of the State Partnership Program's air assault exchange consisted of practical, hands-on training in the field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Caleb Sooter)
Kentucky Guard, Ecuador Conduct Air Assault Training Exchange
By Sgt. Caleb Sooter, | Sept. 12, 2025
LATACUNGA, Ecuador - Members of the Kentucky National Guard took part in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State...