Photo By Randall Burlingame | Senior Airman Maricely Fuentes, 104th Operations Support Flight technician, repacks a...... read more read more
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BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Massachusetts– The 104th Operations Support Flight Airmen working with aircrew flight equipment are responsible for inspecting and maintaining all of the flight and safety equipment used by the pilots at the 104th Fighter Wing.
The Airmen have to thoroughly inspect every piece of equipment on a regular basis. They must also maintain or replace parts when necessary, as it can be critical for the pilots in case they ever have to eject out of the aircraft.
“Without us, the pilots wouldn’t be able to go up,” said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Rodriguez, 104th OSF aircrew flight equipment non-commissioned officer in charge. “At the end of the day, we always say, ‘their lives are in our hands.’”
In addition to maintaining equipment such as helmets, parachutes and harnesses, the aircrew flight equipment Airmen areresponsible for training the pilots, said Staff Sgt. Dave Avalone, 104th OSF aircrew flight equipment technician.
“We’re also responsible for continuation training,” said Avalone. “We actually will train the pilots on different things like local area survival and water survival.”
Avalone said pilots can request to have their equipment checked for leaks prior to take off and that members of his shop are present before pilots take off to help with communications checks. Everything a member of the aircrew flight equipment shop does is in support of the pilots and their mission, he said.
Having to become proficient in so many things is something Avalone enjoys, he said.
“It’s been a job that’s definitely gotten me out of my comfort zone, which is good,” said Avalone. “I feel like every day when I come to work, I’m constantly learning.It’s been challenging in a good way. You take what you learn and use it to the best of your ability.”
One of the newest members of the aircrew flight equipment shop echoed Avalone, saying she has enjoyed working here since finishing technical school in September.
“I really like the fact that we’re such an integral part for the pilots,” said Airman Elizabeth Sicard, 104th OSF aircrew flight equipment apprentice. “It’s really exciting to be working side by side with them.”
Having a team of dedicated individuals has allowed the aircrew flight equipment shop to function at a high level and ensure that the pilots are always ready to execute their mission at the 104th FW, said Rodriguez.
“They’re doing a really good job,” said Rodriguez. “They’re fast, dependable and reliable. I have a great team of people.”
| Date Taken: | 11.30.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.30.2018 15:18 |
| Story ID: | 301857 |
| Location: | WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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