Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Caleb Allen, a Big Spring native, repairs the engine of an F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter jet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. The 22-year old Allen, a veteran of the war in Iraq, provides critical maintenance to Hornets which fly daily combat sorties into Afghanistan in support of U.S. and coalition troops. USS Ronald Reagan is on station in the Gulf of Oman. (Official U.S. Navy photo/MC3 Chelsea Kennedy)

By THOMAS JENKINS     
Staff Writer
When Big Spring native Caleb Allen became the fourth of his brothers to join the U.S. military five years ago, the last place the Navy-recruit imagined himself being was on the hot sand of Iraq.

However, thanks to a military program that basically placed Allen, now a aviation machinist 2nd Class, on loan to the U.S. Army, the West Texas man found himself a part of the 3rd Army Infantry Division in southern Iraq.

These days, however, Allen serves aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, an aircraft carrier and floating city that's home to more than 4,500 U.S. naval men. Responsible for making repairs to the engines of the carriers' “teeth” — F/A18 Hornets and Super Hornets fighter aircraft — Allen said his experience on the ground with the Army has given him a unique perspective on the battles being fought in and around Afghanistan.

“The program was a voluntary program, and basically had me on loan to the Army,” said Allen, calling the Herald office from the USS Ronald Reagan, which is currently supporting war efforts in Afghanistan. “We work on these aircraft so they can support the guys on the ground. It gives you something of a unique perspective as a sailor to have been one of those guys on the ground and see first hand how important those aircraft are to what they do.”

The son of Roger and Kathy Henderson of San Angelo, and the grandson of Big Spring's own Rocky Allen, Caleb Allen said life aboard the aircraft carrier is anything but glamorous.

“You basically work, shower, sleep, then start all over,” said Allen with a laugh. “I usually work a 12- or 13-hour shift, so you really don't have time for much else. The tasks are different from day to day, so you never really know what you're going to see. However, the routine is pretty regular.”

When Allen is doing his job, however, life is anything but simple.

“I'm responsible for the engines on the Hornets, and each of them has two engines, so you can just imagine what it's like,” said Allen. “Anytime we have a problem with one of the engines, I tear it down, fix what's wrong with it and then get it ready to go back on the aircraft. It's not very glamorous, but what we do makes a major difference out there, and that's what matters to us.”

Allen said his family has been very supportive of him and his decision to serve in the military.

“The whole family is very supportive of the military,” said Allen. “I'm the fourth of my brothers to join the military.”

Lt. Commander Ron Flanders, public affairs officer aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, said the role sailors like Allen play in supporting troops in Afghanistan is immeasurable.

“Jet mechanics like Allen are critical to combat operations. Our jets require frequent maintenance in order to conduct combat operations so far from the ship,” said Flanders. “Allen is recognized as one of the top sailors in our maintenance depot, and has twice been awarded the Navy Achievement Medal in his career.

“USS Ronald Reagan arrived on station in the Gulf of Oman July 6 and will remain here for a few months until relieved by another aircraft carrier,” said Flanders. “Carriers currently provide nearly a third of all close air support  to troops on the ground inside Afghanistan; our Hornets and Super Hornets launch off the decks of the Reagan, fly through Pakistan, refuel, and hover over a certain area, waiting for troops to call them in.”

Allen said it's a challenge to keep the fighters in the air, but it's a challenge he welcomes.

“It's hard work, but it's what we do,” he said.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it