Keeping jets in the air

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Willard E. Grande
  • 354th Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  As an F-16 from the 18th Aggressor Squadron parks in front of the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, scores of highly trained maintainers start the work that allows the United States Air Force to be the leading world power in air, space and cyberspace. 

Once an F-16 takes off anything can go wrong. From engine component malfunctions to avionics inconsistencies. 

"I service, install, inspect, and trouble shoot engine components that assist in flying operations," said Senior Airman James Breeding, 354th Maintenance Squadron, Aerospace Propulsion engineer, "If something is in need of repair or replacement, I go out to the jet and take care of it." 

Whatever the problem, the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is more than capable of fixing the aircraft, making sure they stay in the air rather than becoming a static display on the flight line. 

In addition to maintaining the aircraft, they also launch and recover the jets. 

"With the exception of flight, there are always maintainers around the aircraft," said Airman Breeding. "The jets are always being inspected and serviced to ensure the integrity of their designated functions." 

During preflight checks Airmen make sure that everything is working properly, and if a problem should arise it is immediately addressed and corrected. Once the jet lands, a full diagnostic test is run and again, any problems corrected. 

Being in a more relaxed work environment than other career fields, working outside and the ability to be hands on are all perks of the aircraft maintainer.

"But the best part of the job," said Staff Sgt. David Smyth, 354th Maintenance Squadron, F-16 Avionics technician, "is knowing that I fix and maintain fighter aircraft." 

Getting the job done first time, every time is the goal for the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. This kind of immediate action and quick response is why Eielson maintainers have the prestige they do; not only in the Air Force but in the entire world.