Photo By Senior Airman Keira Rossman | U.S. Air Force pilots and maintainers pose in front of a T-6A Texan II at Laughlin Air...... read more read more
The 85th Flying Training Squadron (FTS), also known as the “Tigers”, recognized the hard work of the 85th FTS’s 2023 Maintainer of the Year by organizing an incentive flight, Aug. 9. 2024.
The 85th FTS 2023 Maintainer of the Year is Oscar Ibarra, 47th Flying Training Wing Maintenance Directorate T-6A expediter.
Aircraft maintainers play a crucial role in Laughlin's mission to build combat-ready Airmen leaders and pilots.
Their work ensures Team XL’s flying fleet is mission-ready, safe, and operational at all times.
Maintainers are in charge of conducting routine inspections, troubleshooting complex issues, executing intricate repairs, establishing that each aircraft meets the highest safety standards and more.
“Our maintenance professionals work tirelessly to execute the mission,” said Lt. Col. Imran Khan, 85th FTS Commander and T-6A evaluator pilot. “Mr. Ibarra especially goes above and beyond. We are so proud of Oscar and honored to fly him in the mighty T-6 as part of Tiger Week! Thank you to all of our maintenance teammates for keeping us safe.”
Ibarra has worked in various roles while at Laughlin, including crew chief, mechanic and currently as a T-6A expediter.
“It’s a very high level of preparation every day to get these aircraft airborne,” said Ibarra. “Without these crew chiefs and my team, none of this would be possible. I like to set an example of having a positive attitude and working together with my team and coworkers to take on any task or challenge that we face daily. We adjust and overcome things together, knowing that every problem has a solution.”
Ibarra expressed both surprise and gratitude for the opportunity to fly in an aircraft he has spent nearly 15 years working with.
“This was a flight I am going to remember for the rest of my life,” said Ibarra. “Flying with one of my best friends (Capt. Isaac Roberts, 85th FTS Aces assistant flight commander and T-6A instructor pilot) left me speechless. I really had the time of my life! Flying in formation alongside Capt. Randolph Williams was a sight that I am never going to forget. These USAF pilots are the best of the best.”
The pilots who provided the flight shared similar sentiments.
“We were truly excited for this opportunity,” said Capt. Randolph Williams, 85th FTS Elvis Flight commander and T-6A instructor pilot. “Oscar has been an integral part of Tiger Maintenance, and we were thrilled to be able to take him up and show them what it’s like to be a Tiger pilot for the day. It is sometimes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for maintainers to be able to go up in the plane they work on every day and see what we do and what the aircraft is capable of.”
The relationship between pilots and maintainers is built on trust and teamwork.
“We trust the maintainers and their work with our lives every day,” said Williams. “There is never an ounce of doubt in their ability and work when it comes to the aircraft. We are just trying to give the maintainers a glimpse into our world and see what we do in the air with the planes they provide.”
The incentive flight gave Ibarra an experience he will carry with him for a lifetime.
“I would like to thank all the operation commanders for making this possible,” said Ibarra. “Thank you everyone that showed up to my special day. This will be in my heart forever.”
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.27.2024 09:37 |
| Story ID: | 479771 |
| Location: | LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 4 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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