13th AMU mural honors Panther history

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Rays from the rising sun stretch across the wall as the aircraft from past to present fly above the sun. A crew chief launches the aircraft and the squadron's panther "Eldridge" watches them fly in the distance.

The 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit "Panthers" at Misawa Air Base can walk through their building and see the new mural that pays tribute to the squadron's legacy--past and present.

During a renovation of the squadron AMU, Master Sgt. Stephen Hoss, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit section chief, thought the idea of a mural would fit perfectly in hopes to instill a sense of pride into the squadron.

"We haven't had time to put history into the squadron because of all the deployments and upcoming tasks," said Sergeant Hoss. "Now with the renovation and with the squadron away, this is the perfect time to let everyone see who we are, where we've been, and be proud to be a part of this unit."

Sergeant Hoss's idea came to life through the artistic ability of Staff Sgt. Nicholas Romero, who volunteered to head up the project after Sergeant Hoss requested volunteers during a meeting to create a history wall that would best represent the 13th AMU. Although Sergeant Romero has been drawing as a young kid, he was still a little reluctant for the task.

"He came to me after our roll call and was very humble about wanting to paint it, but reluctant because it's a huge responsibility," said Sergeant Hoss. "But as soon as I saw what he put on paper, I knew that he could bring my idea to life. He is extremely talented. Not everyone can make this happen."

Sergeant Romero researched the history of the 13th FS to come up with similar ideas Sergeant Hoss presented.

"I know we needed a history wall so I wrote down all the aircraft we flew and it took about two days to draw and three weeks to put on the wall," said Sergeant Romero.
The earliest flown aircraft start on the left with the B-20 Havoc flown in 1942, to the F-16 Fighting Falcon flown today.

This mural will be a welcome home for the approximately 200 Panthers returning from Suwon, Republic of Korea in a few months, explained Sergeant Hoss.

"This mural will represent their accomplishments as well as the accomplishments from those before them," he said. "Misawa is a home away from home and having pride in our work and our unit will make the biggest difference in morale."

The history of the squadron could be seen on one single board before this, explained Sergeant Hoss. Now history can be seen throughout the squadron.

Sergeant Romero is also currently working on a POW/MIA mural slated to be finished before the squadron returns home.

"The most important thing to do is to commemorate our people. They are not forgotten," said Sergeant Hoss.