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In a remarkable display of dedication and teamwork, the recovery and rebuild of aircraft 323, a F-15E Strike Eagle, has been a significant victory for the maintainers at Mountain Home Air Force Base. After being grounded for more than four years, the aircraft has now returned to operational status.
Leading this effort is Master Sgt. Donald Root. Root is the lead Production Superintendent at the 391st Fighter Generation Squadron and has witnessed the aircraft’s journey from incident to recovery. The aircraft was non-flyable since the landing gear incident approximately 1,500 days ago. The incident triggered an immediate response and Master Sgt. Root led the crash recovery team as they approached the aircraft.
"We coordinated with the fire squadron to secure the area and ensure safety while we prepared to lift the aircraft off the runway," Root explained. "It was a critical moment that marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey."
The rebuild of F-15E 323 has been a monumental task. From the moment the aircraft was cleared for work, it has been a full team effort involving various Depot Field Teams and local maintenance shops. Root emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Every shop on base has touched this aircraft. It’s truly a collective effort,” he said.
Staff Sgt. Alex Torres, the lead floor supervisor and dedicated crew chief, worked hard to make the revival a reality. “My team and I coordinated closely with other shops, like fuels and sheet metal, to ensure a smooth workflow. It was essential to time our tasks right so that nothing obstructed progress,” Torres said.
The rebuild faced numerous challenges, particularly with reinstalling the landing gear and addressing damage to critical components. The team had to fabricate custom parts, including bulkheads made from titanium, which had never been attempted at Mountain Home AFB before. Torres summed up the experience, stating, “The biggest lesson I learned was the value of teamwork. We gave it our all every step of the way and fostered new friendships along the way.”
Technical difficulties further compounded the process, such as a damaged wire harness in the right-wing that required complete rewiring. Root emphasized the critical role of funding and scheduling in overcoming these hurdles. “Funding was a major factor that affected our timeline. We had to ensure everything was in place before moving forward with the rebuild.”
“The dedication shown by everyone involved has been inspiring,” Root said. For many on the team, the challenges also offered an opportunity for growth. Torres reflected on the challenge of stepping into a leadership role for a significant project shortly after his promotion. “As a brand-new Staff Sgt., I had to learn quickly and trust my intuition to get the job done. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team.”
Despite these many challenges, F-15E 323 and the incredible maintenance team supporting the jet, have achieved a significant milestone. The aircraft recently underwent a rigorous series of qualifying tests and concluded with a successful test flight. Root expressed enthusiasm about finally seeing the jet in the air: “It was truly an amazing feeling to see 323 break ground. This milestone is a true testament to all the hard work and dedication from the men and women of the 366 Maintenance Group,” he said.
The recovery of F-15E Strike Eagle 323 serves as a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Gunfighter maintainers. As Root reflected on the journey, he emphasized the importance of restoring the aircraft not just as a machine, but as a vital asset to the Air Force. “Every aircraft tells a story, and the story of 323 is one of teamwork and determination,” he said. “We’re excited to see it back in the skies, ready for its mission.”
| Date Taken: | 10.04.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2024 15:34 |
| Story ID: | 482700 |
| Location: | MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, IDAHO, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Gunfighter Maintenance Revives Fighter Jet, by SrA Alexandria Byrd, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
