Computers, jets and generators: specialists make the AMU

  • Published
  • By Airman Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Editor's note: This is part three in a six-part series highlighting the 13th and 14th Aircraft Maintenance Units.

Airmen of the 13th and 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit specialist flight at Misawa Air Base work as a team to complete one common mission: to keep F-16 Fighting Falcons in the air.

The specialist flight is divided into three sub-sections: engines, electro-environmental and avionics. The engine section is made up of a group of Airmen armed with the knowledge of an aircraft engines' inside and out. The electro-environmental section, also known as E&E, specialists ensure the electrical systems work smoothly within the aircraft. The avionics section works on all computer systems on the jet.

Although the specialist section is responsible for numerous jobs, its members are trained and certified to troubleshoot and repair specialized aircraft systems to ensure the F-16 weapon system is returned to service in a timely matter, said Tech. Sgt. Nathan Rhoden, 14 AMU specialist section chief.

Engine specialists maintain the jets' motors. They inspect and replace parts of the engine when needed or scheduled to. These maintainers work with multi-million dollar aircraft every day and perform maintenance on engines that produce approximately 30,000 pounds of thrust.

"Generally, we try to replace parts of the engine without removing it from the aircraft. Those types of issues we try to fix on the flightline or in a hangar," said Staff Sgt. William Wolverton, 14 AMU engine specialist. "However, if there is a problem with the engine that gives us a reason to remove it from the aircraft, then the engine is sent to a back shop. There, they will tear it down, run tests and send it back out to the flightline."

Back shops are areas where Airmen conduct maintenance on off-equipment, equipment not on the aircraft, such as installing components and sustaining line replaceable units. Line replaceable units include fuel control units, load control valves and oil coolers.

Although the engine pushes the jet through the sky, it takes electrical power to start the engine and run the systems.

If a pilot reports an issue with the air-conditioning or electrical systems of the aircraft, E&E specialists are tasked to correct the problem, said Tech. Sgt. Edward Young, 13 AMU E&E specialist.

E&E specialists are skilled at reading schematics and trained to handle, label and dispose hazardous materials by local and federal environmental standards. They also inspect and evaluate aircraft E&E maintenance activities, as well as interpret inspection findings and determine corrective actions.

"We usually deal with issues involving power generation, landing gear, oxygen systems, fire protection, air-conditioning and numerous other systems," said Young. "If we do not do our job, then it affects the rest of the aircraft."

Another essential part of the specialist flight is the avionics team.

The avionics system specialists are responsible for maintaining and repairing multiple onboard systems such as flight control, communications and navigation.

"They need to have meticulous attention to detail," said Rhoden. "As perfection can be the difference between mission's success and failure."

"I like to think that we fix the brains of the F-16 Fighting Falcon," said Senior Airman Tonia Smith, 14 AMU avionics specialist. "We maintain and repair everything from radar and communication systems to flight controls and weapon systems."

As a whole flight, the specialists make a good team. Even with the current high operational tempo, the specialists work well together and maintain aircrafts in a swift manner.

"It's a tough job," said Rhoden. "I have the utmost respect for my Airmen. They work 12 hour shifts but still maintain a positive and professional attitude."