In the Spotlight

Name: Adam Doumbia

Command: AIMD

Department: Paraloft

By MC2 Josh Cote, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) is just one of the 37 total tenant commands here a Naval Air Station Sigonella. AIMD’s purpose is to support and repair aviation components and support equipment, and it is broken down into many departments. In the paraloft department, one Sailor who stands out is Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) 2nd Class Adam Doumbia.

The Aircrew Survival Equipmentman rating was originally called Parachute Rigger until it was formally changed to its current title in 1965. PRs are responsible for inspecting, maintaining and repairing parachutes, seat pans, survival equipment, and flight and protective clothing. They are also responsible for packing and rigging parachutes, as well as packing and equipping life rafts.

Doumbia finds both the environment and the work at the paraloft gratifying. “When you’re with a squadron, you get to talk with aircrew and pilots, and I like being around that environment a lot,” he said. “The air crew is using our gear to go fly and also rescue people. They are using it to survive.”

Along with staying on top of his daily tasks, Doumbia also holds a multiple collateral duties here on base.

“I am part of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) team and also part of the suicide prevention team,” said Doumbia, “as well as being an assistant command fitness leader.”

On top of all that, he also had time to complete his associate’s degree in general studies from Central Texas College and plans to continue his education in the future.

Originally from the Ivory Coast in West Africa, Doumbia joined the Navy in part to see the world and experience new cultures. He has been in the Navy for seven years, with Sigonella being his second command. Before coming here, he was stationed at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 out of Norfolk.

For Doumbia, the Sicilian summer is a highlight of being stationed onboard NAS Sigonella.

“My favorite thing about Sicily is definitely the summertime,” said Doumbia. “I love that time of year out here, being able to go to the beach, Siracusa, and Taormina, and hanging out and just enjoying the sun here in Sicily.”

In addition to traveling around the island, Doumbia has also experienced more of Europe through trips to Paris, Budapest, Romania, and mainland Italy.

“Out of all the countries I went to, France was my favorite one,” said Doumbia. “I speak French, so I just fit right in. I loved the food and the culture there too; it’s amazing.”