Executing the Mission

• No ‘drifting’ here, when tasked to support first time ever Spears of Victory (SoV) Exercise (exe). The SoV exe emerged as a last-minute, no-notice support requirement, directed at the highest levels within Air Force (AF) Central Command’s (AFCENT) Air Warfare Center (AWC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) that was only made successful by three key USAFE BSEn contractor mx professionals – Mr. Perron being one of them by accomplishing the following preparations, leading coordination’s, and ensuring exe sustainability’s in one of the most strategically significant theaters in the world:
• Rudy, tasked with developing and executing non-traditional techniques and procedures by conducting 17 Periodic Maintenance Inspections (PMIs) to obtain five solid Airborne Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) P5V2 (Pod) performers to be crated/shipped from UAE to then be reassembled/tested and tactically ferried from the forward operating base to the exercise location.
  • In addition, Rudy’s efforts ensured the movement, accountability, and readiness of the Deployable UAE Support Kit (DUSK) across multiple locations, guaranteeing that required systems and CTKs were available exactly when and where needed despite dealing with shifting plans and the short-notice execution.
• Supervised and trained four WPNS load crews (12 prnsl) at deployed location on Pod loading procedures authorized only by ACC.
• His technical oversight ensured all 37 scheduled podded sorties contributed to a 100% effective rate earned him a Letter of Appreciation (LOA) and coin by the President of TDX Government Services Group, Patrick McClelland.
• Rudy’s team performance simple put, “…reflects the very best of our organization and exemplifies our commitment to mission, customer support, and excellence in support of national and allied defense objectives” (McClelland, P. 2026, LOA).
• Supported over 413 ACMI P5V2 podded sorties this quarter with an overall effective rate of 99.76%. Rudy has spent close to 30-man hours per week, which includes uploading, downloading, 20/39 PMIs, and transporting pods to the 31st FW squadrons while also performing several key additional duties as well as our only primary Facility Manager (FM) by closing out two 31 CE work orders. To put in perspective – Rudy’s contributions to USAFEs effective rating at a combine 99.89% ranked among top ten CAF units out of 16 exceeding total OCONUS P5V2 Podded units effective rating by 1.01%.

Improving the Organization

• Even though the pod shop is located inside a Protective Aircraft Shelter (PAS), Mr. Perron is its umbrella:
• Rudy noticed that our PAS emergency lighting didn’t meet safety standards as outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Chapter 13, para 7.9 during a recent monthly testing (safety of life), and ensured a work order was submitted along with restoring its heat (quality of life). Mr. Perron puts safety first, with quality in mind!!
• Deemed shop ladder unserviceable after conducting the SAFETY MOMENT—Fall Prevention-Ladder Safety sent “Ladder Inspection” checklist. After being tasked assessing the needs of the organization, Mr. Perron researched and coordinated the approval of two organizational unfunded items: (1) pallet jack and (2) six-foot utility step ladder totaling $500.00. Both items will be used to improve the shops’ mobility crate preparations and organizational storage conformities/movements to eliminate work-related and material handling injuries.

Managing Resources

• Forward thinker outside the “tube”. During a TCTO Security System Update (SSU) operational pause set forth by the “P5 SPO”, Rudy implemented the install of the four cable tie mounts to the Red Power Supply as outlined in TCTO 43D17-5-19-540, page 15, during 180-Day PMIs. By accomplishing this task, it will save 24 to 72 cure time hours once the authorization is re-instated to install the new Data Security Module (DSM) towards TCTO completion and ensuring permanent bonding success. Idea shared with USAFE.
• Spearheaded new FM mandatory continuity binder program. The direction required a physical continuity binder to be standardized across the 31 FW and approved by each squadron commander. Met “30-day grace period” ahead of time, by 15 days with zero discrepancies. In addition, he validated 25 required documents as specified IAW DAFI 32-1001 Section 7.1.3 & 7.1.5 & Section 3.4 of the Aviano FM Handbook. The FM Continuity Binder is an inspectable item, also a key element during UEIs performed by local IG teams. The AVB site is efficient, maintained, and ready to support the needs of the combat warfighter and all future exercise operations…coined by 31 OSS/CC during his “Prowling the Pridelands” visit.

Leading People/Team Building

• Bolstered Italian and American relations by coordinating a first time ever local Sophomore Pordenone High School (Class 2^I I.T.S.T. J.F. Kennedy) visit to the 31 FW Area F with the 31 FW Public Affairs (PA) base tour program. Rudy briefly explained how our P5 (Airborne Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI)) operates in English to 43 technical students via both electronically and transmitted via unclassified LMOC pod viewing feeds and demonstrated a P5 F-16 station-8 upload. Many of the students’ experience was beyond belief based on the pods data precisely calculated with presession versus the F-16s gravity force (G-load) maneuverings, while a few had a grasped of the full transmission messaging Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities that “enriched” every student’s learning in a “real-world context”.

 

 

• Mr. Perron is a military history buff and continues to improve his knowledge by conducting research for the 31 FW assigned Historians (also known as the USAFE-AFAFRICA History Office) during his own time. Over the past several months the newly assigned Historian Mr. David B. Easley, staff, and Rudy have been gathering up articles depicting the history of both Aviano Air Base and 31 FW since the 1920’s.
• Rudy provided the 56th Rescue Squadron with a historical data base of his own and is currently helping to fill specific rescue mission gaps in their history between 1950’s while in Morocco and a few instances from Vietnam through their early 2000’s.
• Over tasked and under manned, Mr. Easley requested Rudy specifically to help with POW/MIA campaign research assigned by the previous 31 FW Commander, Gen. Clark. As an acting liaison, Rudy’s assistance proved to be invaluable, receiving credit from the Wing Historian Office. With Rudy’s help, Mr. Easley was recently submitted for the Frank Futrell Excellence in Historical Studies Award, an AF level award highlighting significant contributions put forth by everyone involved.
• Assisted the 510th Fighter Squadron Buzzard Association with their soon-to-be-released documentary film The 510th, produced by Anvil Films. Received a “special thanks” by the associations President, Greg Sarakatsannis.