At Hill Air Force Base, a dedicated team of specialists ensures the precision and reliability of thousands of tools and machines vital to Air Force operations. The 809th Maintenance Support Squadron’s Metrology and Calibration Flight (MCF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy of equipment used across the base, offering a unique and essential career path for those skilled in calibrating precise machine tools.
This specialized unit, along with the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Flight, is part of the Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program (AFMETCAL). AFMETCAL is the backbone of the service’s commitment to accuracy, guaranteeing that every tool and machine, across a multitude of Air Force career fields, is precisely calibrated. For individuals seeking a Career Calibrating Precise Machine Tools, the MCF at Hill AFB exemplifies the critical and technically rewarding nature of this profession.
“The 809th MSS actively supports approximately 12,500 inventory items at Hill AFB,” explains Aaron Weslow, MCF chief. “We conduct regular calibrations on around 5,000 of these crucial pieces of equipment.” The scope of their work is vast, encompassing a wide array of measurements essential to industrial precision. Technicians are experts in dimensional, weight, torque, temperature, humidity, microwave, radar, and high-frequency calibrations, showcasing the breadth of skills required for a career calibrating precise machine tools.
While smaller tools are meticulously calibrated within the controlled environment of the PMEL laboratory, larger machinery requires on-site expertise. The team travels to the equipment, bringing their calibration skills directly to massive machines that cannot be moved. A prime example is the calibration of industrial-sized ovens used in aircraft maintenance. These ovens, crucial for processes like coating and hardening aircraft landing gear, demand uniform temperature distribution.
“Maintaining temperature uniformity is paramount,” Weslow emphasizes. “When hardening components, temperature variations across the structure can compromise the process.” MCF technicians meticulously map temperatures at numerous points within these ovens, identifying and rectifying any inconsistencies to ensure process integrity. This detailed work highlights the critical thinking and problem-solving skills integral to a successful career calibrating precise machine tools.
The MCF’s team of 30 civilian technicians manages a substantial workload, handling around 450 jobs monthly. Each job can range from calibrating numerous tools in a single session to dedicating up to five days to a single complex machine. Beyond current needs, the MCF also plays a forward-looking role, supporting the introduction of new tools and defining equipment requirements for future Air Force technologies. As the base integrates new systems like the F-35 and F-22, the MCF’s technical applications team ensures the availability of necessary commercial data and calibration procedures.
For those considering a career calibrating precise machine tools, the 809th Maintenance Support Squadron’s Metrology and Calibration Flight at Hill Air Force Base offers a compelling example of the dedication and expertise required in this field. “The tools that manufacture and maintain our military systems demand exceptional accuracy,” Weslow concludes. “We are deeply committed to our mission and take immense pride in ensuring the calibration excellence of Hill Air Force Base and all our customers.” This commitment underscores the vital role and rewarding nature of a career dedicated to calibrating precise machine tools within the Air Force.
