Heavy metal Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Randolph Guerrero, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural apprentice, cleans off a metal piece of a simulated aircraft structure July 1, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. As part of working on a SAS, Airmen learn how to shape a piece of metal to fill an empty gap in another seamlessly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jordan Collins, left, and Senior Airman Tylan Murray, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance specialists, work on training projects July 7, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. In the sheet metal shop, Airmen work on training projects to practice and hone their skills to ensure they’re prepared for any task. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Briggs, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural apprentice, grinds down a piece of sheet metal July 7, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Airmen of the sheet metal shop learn to sculpt metal to the exact size or shape needed, down to the millimeter, to ensure repairs of an aircraft are seamless. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jordan Collins, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural apprentice, checks the parts of a simulated air structure for correct placement July 7, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The SAS is an in-depth training project that gives new Airmen the opportunity to practice a variety of techniques, such as identifying materials, drilling, making measurements and correctly forming metal pieces for complex aircraft repairs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Briggs, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural apprentice, shapes a sheet of metal July 7, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. In the sheet metal shop, there are more than 38 machines used to either cut, trim, bend, notch, polish or form a variety of metal and tubing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

All of the heavy-duty machines in the sheet metal shop have safety reminders to warn caution and promote situational awareness to Airmen of the 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. Since they are surrounded by such high-powered machinery for cutting, drilling and shaping metal, Airmen of the 7th EMS learn to value the tools they use. They must finish the proper training and become certified in order to inspect all machines prior to every use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Miguel Acuna, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance apprentice, drills into a simulated aircraft structure July 1, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The SAS incorporates various techniques, such as sculpting metal into specific shapes or using specialized drills for Airmen of the sheet metal shop to practice their skills and accomplish on-the-job training. Completing these tasks is necessary to receive their upgrade training certification. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

Tools for Airmen of the 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron are ready for use at any time and for any repair. Along with the heavy machinery in the shop, Airmen use a variety of carefully inspected hand tools, such as hammers, drills, saws and files to get a precise shape. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy metal Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jordan Collins, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural apprentice, checks the sizing of a metal part July 7, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Airmen in the sheet metal shop learn many metal-working techniques, so they are equipped to fix any structural issue on the C-130J Super Hercules and the B-1B Lancer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Van Syoc)

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Heavy Metal Airmen

Published July 21, 2016
By A1C Rebecca Van Syoc
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In the sheet metal shop at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the buzzing of drills or the whirring of heavy machinery is constant; as familiar to the Airmen working there as the aircraft they repair. With their expertise in shaping, cutting, filing and manipulating a variety of materials for any repair, the sheet metal Airmen are prepared to keep Dyess’ B-1B Lancers and C-130J Super Hercules ready to provide dominant airpower anytime, anywhere.

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen

Heavy metal Airmen