35th LRS Airmen shadow crew chiefs for a day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Xiomara M. Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Three Airmen with the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron shadowed 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs to expand their knowledge in the career field and see a different side of the Air Force at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 6.

The crew chief for a day program allows non-maintenance personnel on the flight line to understand what maintainers encounter in their duties. Tasks range from prepping for flights, ensuring jets are ready to launch and recovering planes after a sortie.

“The purpose of the program lets Airmen who aren't usually on the flight line to view how their efforts in the workplace directly affect the mission,” said 1st Lt. Ryan Hager the 35th LRS material management flight commander. “Something these Airmen will never forget is seeing directly how crew chiefs operate.”

The participants were chosen based upon their assigned 35th LRS jobs in relation to flying operations.

“A supply Airman, who routinely stocks and issues parts for the F-16 fleet, was able to see where the parts go and how they’re used,” said Hager.

Not only did this event provide new wisdom but also enhanced mission capability.

“By getting first-hand experience of an F-16 sortie process, our Airmen can apply those skills to their job in helping aircraft off the ground,” Hager explained.

Not only did this involvement aid Airmen in comprehending their role in the Misawa mission, but for one Airman in particular, this new wisdom provided her with fresh techniques.

“This was my first time being on the flight line and seeing a jet with all the actions executed right in front of me,” said 2nd Lt. Erica Santo Domingo, a 35th LRS installation deployment readiness cell, war reserve material officer. “The crew chief I followed did an amazing job and made sure I immersed into her field. I enjoyed it so much; I would do this program again anytime.”