Enduring 120 degrees no sweat for maintainers Published Aug. 11, 2013 By Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino 433 AW JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland -- With temperatures hovering above 100 degrees in the summer here, the 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen can still get their C-5A Galaxy's in the fight. But, how do the maintainers keep the planes flying in the brutal summer heat and humidity of South Texas? The 433rd Airlift Wing Command Post assists with weather reports which dictate work rest cycles. According to John Villada, an 802nd Operation Support Squadron weather technician, the average temperature during the week was 101 degrees here. Add to that 15-20 degrees with the humidity of South Texas, and that is what aircraft maintainers have to endure on the sea of concrete that is the flight line. "Everybody keeps an eye on each other," said Senior Master Sgt. Richard Burkhardt, a 433rd AW AMXS aerospace repair technician. "There's plenty of water around, there's always shade a couple steps away," he said referring to the wings of the C-5A. A new item crew chiefs are wearing to protect their skin are boonie hats. "They were issued those hats for that specific reason," Burkhardt said. Protecting ones skin with sunscreen and staying hydrated are important for aircraft maintainers to continue the mission. "Water is important for healthy skin," said Capt. Rolando De Luna (Physician Assistant) of the 433 Aeromedical Staging Squadron, "It is important for controlling body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure," he said. De Luna works at the world famous MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Most of his civilian professional experience is with skin cancers like Basal Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. "Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun's damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in early in life in order to prevent skin cancer later in life," he said. "Staying well hydrated can prevent a heat stroke. A heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs," De Luna said. "We drink plenty of water, and try not to over exert ourselves," said Staff Sgt. James Sanchez. a 433rd AMXS crew chief. To view a slideshow from this story, click here.