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Before aircrews embark on their missions, one critical group ensures their life support equipment is in top condition. In the event of an emergency during the flight, the Aircrew Flight Equipment flight ensures all gear is fully operational, which boosts the likelihood of Airmen returning safely to their families.
The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron’s AFE team deployed Airmen to Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England, to support Bomber Task Force 25-2.
“BTF missions are when B-52H Stratofortress fly alongside NATO Allies and partners to demonstrate our Bomber Support capabilities and our ability to conduct deterrence from anywhere in the world, at any time,” said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Thornton, 69 EBS aircrew flight equipment non commissioned officer in charge.
AFE specialists ensure the reliability of equipment so that pilots can concentrate on the deterrence mission while navigating diverse terrains and carrying out attacks.
“My role in BTF 25-2 is to ensure aircrew have safe, fully functional gear for mission success,” said U.S. Airman Michelle Browne, 69 EBS aircrew flight equipment specialist. “From helmets to survival kits, every piece of equipment must be maintained to the highest standard.”
Another task assigned to AFE specialists is to inspect, maintain, and fit the necessary gear needed for flying missions. They perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections on various aircraft equipment, such as helmets, oxygen masks, harnesses, anti-gravity suits, survival vests, radios, and optical devices.
Their work encompasses everything from visual inspections to disassembling and reassembling equipment to guarantee its reliability for mission success.
Before each flight, AFE also briefs Airmen on the proper use of their lifesaving gear, increasing the gear's effectiveness in case of an emergency.
“Our motto is ‘we are the last to let you down’ because our equipment working, when it’s needed most, can be the difference between life and death,” Thornton said.
Thanks to AFE’s contribution to missions such as BTF 25-2, U.S. Air Force aircrew can confidently deliver lethal combat power worldwide.
| Date Taken: | 03.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2025 08:46 |
| Story ID: | 493241 |
| Location: | FAIRFORD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GB |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Your Safety, Our Job, by A1C Trust Tate, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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