Airmen get fit for M-50 gas mask

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Medical Operations Squadron bioenvironmental flight started the process of fitting Airmen with the new M-50 gas mask at Eielson Air Force Base, Dec. 14.

The bioenvironmental flight fitted gas masks on Airmen who work in the 354th Fighter Wing staff. They will do the same for the other squadrons at a later date.

"The M-50 has improvements that will help keep Airmen safe on deployments," said Airman 1st Class Samuel Bergh, a bioenvironmental engineering technician from the 354th MOS.

"Getting my gas mask fit lets me know the Air Force is helping me out, they're going to send me out with the proper equipment I need to do my job," said Staff Sgt. Sedelia Gonzales, from 354th Comptroller Squadron.

After filling out a short form, each customer was sized for a mask to fit their face comfortably after the straps were tightened. Then a particle assessment test instrument evaluated if the mask maintained a proper seal through five exercises. The mask size would be changed until a passing score is received ensuring the Airmen would be properly protected if the mask was actually needed in a combat situation.

The response to the M-50 has been positive. As Airmen tried on the new mask their responses were largely in its favor.

"The new masks feel so much lighter, and you don't have a big canister sticking out," said Sergeant Gonzales. "I like it. I'd give it a 10, and the whole process took all of three minutes. It's a very fast process."

Now when faced with the task of putting the mask on Sergeant Gonzales believes it will take people less time to don the M-50. So when the Airmen hear "gas, gas, gas" for an exercise or evaluation, getting the mask on in time won't be an ordeal.

The MOS staff have found that having open times for people to come when it is convenient for their shop helps keep operations flowing. It also cuts down on time people have to spend out in the snow, warming up their cars and driving to get to the bioenvironmental shop.

By the MOS bringing their equipment directly to the Airmen getting sized, they made the fitting more convenient and practical for all parties involved and better ensured all Airmen here are prepared for any situation.