Morani takes charge of Aircraft Maintenance University

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It's not very often someone crosses paths with an officer who can tell a young Airman he knows exactly what they are going through.

Sheppard has one who can do just that in the newly appointed 82nd Training Group Commander Col. Steven Morani. The colonel assumed command of the training group July 11 during a ceremony in Hangar 1045.

Colonel Morani has the luxury of viewing both sides of the military world, first as an enlisted refrigeration and air conditioning technician in the early 1980s, and then as an officer after he graduated from officer training school in 1987.

Although he has that background, he said it's the advice of a mentor that has made his career thus far a success.

"Always remember to B.S.," Colonel Morani said, further explaining its meaning. "To be sincere. To be simple. To be short."

A career munitions and maintenance officer, the colonel said he understands the importance of taking on the role as the commander of the 82nd TRG. He added that the group is considered the "crown jewel" because of the far-reaching effects it has on the Air Force.

But its strategic importance goes beyond the nuts and bolts aspect of preparing combat-ready Airmen. He said it's also about preparing Airmen of character.

"We impact the combat capability for the entire Air Force," he said. "We build the foundation for generating sorties."

Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, commander of the 82nd Training Wing, took base and community guests through a quick verbal tour of Colonel Morani's distinguished career, beginning with his days at the 82nd TRW's predecessor, the 82nd Fighter Wing at Williams Air Force Base, Ariz. In 2002, the general said Colonel Morani stood up and became the first commandant of the Air Force's Advanced Maintenance and Munitions School at Nellis AFB, Nev.

"I think you'll agree that Steve Morani (is who we need) to be the leader of the 82nd Training Group," the general said.

The 82nd TRG is considered the wing's "flagship group," General Devereaux said, not only because it matches the wing's "82d" designation, but it is also host to the largest maintenance training complex in the world. A few of the recent accomplishments of the group includes standing up maintenance training for the Iraqi Air Force and preparation for F-22A Raptor maintenance training.

The group is also responsible for ensuring quality, skilled maintainers are produced who can continue to keep Cold War-era aircraft operational, the general said.

"We have to have the world's best maintainers because of our aging fleet," he said, adding that the average age of the fleet today is 25 years old.

Colonel Morani was most recently the chief of the Maintenance Division for the Joint Staff Directorate for Logistics at the Pentagon. His major decorations and awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and NATO Medal.