Behind the Scenes at The Masters: Stevens AOG in Action
While most eyes were on the greens of Augusta, a different kind of precision was taking place just off the fairways—on the ramp. For the fifth consecutive year, the Stevens Aerospace AOG (Aircraft on Ground) team was on-site at The Masters, ensuring that every jet arrival and departure happened as flawlessly as the tournament itself.
“An Experience Unlike Any Other”
That’s how AOG Technician Justin Ashton describes working The Masters. With four years on the Stevens AOG team and three Masters events under his belt, he knows the pressure that comes with supporting one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments. “Aircraft are constantly arriving and departing,” Justin shared. “There’s a strong sense of urgency in everything we do. You have to be fast, flexible, and laser-focused.”
Unlike regular AOG calls that may allow for a bit of breathing room, Masters week demands full concentration and stamina. “There are over 300 flights a day,” Justin said. “You’re constantly pivoting from one job to the next without ever leaving the field.”
Logistics in Motion
That kind of environment takes planning—and a lot of it. According to Brent Wiggins, Director of AOG Operations, preparation begins months in advance. “From badging to selecting trucks and techs, every move is calculated to make sure we don’t leave gaps elsewhere in our support regions,” Brent explained. “But no matter how much planning you do, something needs adjusting. That’s AOG. You adapt.”
Organized Chaos on the Ramp
Brent describes the on-site environment as “controlled chaos”—a fast-paced, high-stakes setting where precision matters. With aircraft and ground crews operating in close proximity, seamless coordination with FBOs isn’t optional—it’s essential. “Everyone is locked into their role, and that’s exactly why it runs so efficiently,” he said.
What sets the Stevens AOG team apart is their ability to perform under pressure without missing a beat. “We’re always prepared with backup techs on standby,” Brent noted. “But the truth is, our core team doesn’t just handle high-pressure situations—they excel in them. They anticipate, adapt, and execute with confidence. That’s what keeps us ahead.”
A Memorable Save
One of the most memorable moments for Justin this year came during a critical APU issue just minutes before an owner flight. The team quickly mobilized to set up an air start cart—only to find the unit, a relic from the Vietnam era, failed under pressure. It leaked fuel, had limited runtime, and couldn’t deliver a start. “It felt like a lifetime,” Justin said. “But we didn’t flinch. We immediately coordinated with a nearby airline for a replacement, resolved a kinked hose mid-sequence, and got the engine online.”
All of this unfolded under the watchful eyes of multiple senior executives on the ramp. “Several of them made a point to thank us personally later that evening,” Justin shared. “Moments like that remind you—we’re not just fixing airplanes. We’re proving that when the stakes are high, Stevens shows up.”
Looking Ahead
For Brent, the true win this year wasn’t just exceptional execution—it was the growth that came with it. “Every year, we get better,” he said. “Supporting this team means helping them grow both professionally and personally. That growth compounds. It shows in everything we do.”
To every member of the Stevens AOG team—whether you were on the ramp at The Masters or supporting from afar—Brent Wiggins shared this message of deep appreciation and pride:
“I’m humbled to be a part of such an amazing team of technicians who strive every day to be their best. Watching you operate amongst the chaos with such poise makes me appreciate the opportunity—as well as understand the responsibility I have to help lead this team. It’s a great reminder that my responsibility doesn’t just lie in how we operate or what we do, but also the growth of each individual on a personal and professional level, which
multiplies the outcome of how we operate and what we do.”
Your dedication, professionalism, and ability to deliver under pressure are what set Stevens AOG apart—at major events and every day in the field.
To our AOG team—thank you. You didn’t just represent Stevens—you elevated it.