Airman of the Week: Airman 1st Class Robert T. Otsubo

  • Published
  • By 436th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  
Name/rank: Airman 1st Class Robert T. Otsubo

Squadron: 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Job description: Hydraulics systems apprentice

Dream assignment and why? Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, while there's something great about every spot on this planet, coming from Hawaii, I am biased.

Favorite movie: The Emperor's New Groove

Favorite food: Pasta carbonara

Favorite book: From Here to Eternity

Who inspires you? Those Airmen who take pride in their country, jobs, health and personal growth; give back to their community; and aren't afraid to do the right thing even when it's not the consensus.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? If I am fortunate enough to avoid the cuts in the AF, a career in combat rescue - having the opportunity to save lives on a regular basis - would be extremely rewarding. As a civilian, I would be a high school or college-level English teacher back home.

Airman 1st Class Robert T. Otsubo works as a C-17 Globemaster III hydraulic systems apprentice on 13 aircraft valued at more than $2.6 billion. On a day-to-day basis, he performs operational checks, and troubleshoots highly-advanced C-17 hydraulic control systems and components. He also researches, practices, and maintains good housekeeping, safety, security, and environmental control standards. In his spare time, he volunteers at the United Services Organization. He routinely lends a helping hand to his coworkers in other sections by assisting them with vital pre-flight and post-flight inspections. He recently identified a rudder gust dampener that was low on nitrogen servicing. His attention to detail was invaluable to the correction of the servicing of the dampener, safeguarding the primary flight control of the C-17 rudder from damage due to ground winds. Otsubo is always looking for increased challenges and is pursuing Officers Training School.
- Master Sgt. Michael Johnson
Section chief