NIAMEY, Niger -- From conveniences such as hot showers and air conditioning to mission essential needs like internet and communication capabilities, generators power the electronics for the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niger.
It’s the efforts of the 768th EABS’s Civil Engineer Flight Power Production team that keep the generators pumping energy, and the unit’s mission in full swing.
“We (establish and maintain) the main source of power for the base,” said Senior Airman Edward Conrad, 768th EABS Power production journeyman. “Constant periodic maintenance intervals keep everything up and running, so the missions aren’t impaired.”
The periodic maintenance interval set for the generators is every 300 hours of operation, or every two weeks, to ensure the equipment continues to function properly in the hot, sandy, and humid environment.
“For inspections and maintenance on the generators we clean them with a pressure washer, change the oil, and change the air filter, which helps prolong their lifespan,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Erquiza, 768th EABS NCO in charge of Power Production. “After they’re turned on we check and fine tune the settings.”
The team oversees 54 generators total, with 24 currently running constantly around the clock. Each generator is rated at 10,000 hours before needing more in depth Inspections and maintenance.
“The power production guys are really the unsung heroes of the base,” said Capt. Kirk Hull, 768th EABS CE Flight commander. “They operate day and night to ensure the generators keep running and the base has energy. The mission can’t get done without these guys continually doing the outstanding work they do.”