635th MMS training shop showcases EALS capabilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 635th Materiel Maintenance Squadron training shop is responsible for maintaining the Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources contingency equipment used to construct temporary bases on deployments or missions.

The training shop instructs Airmen from across the Air Force on logistics and supply tactics, with one of their primary focuses being the Expeditionary Aircraft Lighting System. This system is crucial as it enables Airmen to swiftly establish temporary landing areas for aircraft in diverse operational scenarios.

“We're moving away from an extremely basic series circuit to a more modern EALS system that utilizes solar power,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dallas Hensley, 635th Materiel Maintenance Squadron contingency training noncommissioned officer in charge. “This new system is safer and much more efficient, making our operations more effective.”

EALS courses like the one at BEAR Base are available nationwide, allowing civil engineers from installations like Hill AFB, Moody AFB, and Hurlburt Field, to learn about EALS systems. This ensures electricians and engineers across the Air Force receive essential airfield lighting training.

“There are currently five sites that are currently conducting this class,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brianna Gonzales, 635th MMG electrical systems supervisor. “These sites are strategically located to ensure accessible training for Air Force personnel, this ensures an organization-wide step toward a more lethal and ready force.”

Training opportunities like these are crucial in deployed environments as EALS lighting systems provide a safe location for aircraft to land and take off from.

The mission at BEAR Base is to deploy “anywhere, anytime, at a moment’s notice”, and this course has allowed these Airmen to further prove that statement.

“As electricians, it's our primary responsibility for maintaining systems critical for airfield operations,” said Hensley. “It's our job to ensure that jets can take off and land safely, regardless of where we are in the world.”