Heavy metal: Shop maintains heavy equipment on base

In case the shop's name didn't give it away, the heavy equipment shop at Cannon Air Force Base has a heavy workload to help keep base operations running smoothly.

USAF: Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyler Werle, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron heavy equipment technician, handles part of a Caterpillar construction roller while working in the heavy equipment shop July 3 at Cannon Air Force Base. The heavy equipment shop is responsible for repairing all government-owned construction equipment on base.

Shop repair technicians with the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron maintain all heavy equipment for the base as well as construction equipment, plows, deicers and aircraft tow vehicles.

Technicians average more than 80 hours of repair time per week. Winter months are particularly demanding for the shop as snowfall brings on the likelihood of 24-hour shifts.

Dealing with heavy equipment comes with certain hazards. Personnel must be on constant lookout for hot and corrosive fluids, toxic chemicals and pinch points.

Before working on any equipment, all personnel are thoroughly trained on proper safety procedures to minimize risks.