Airmen keep F-16's airborne during Balikatan 2009

  • Published
  • By Lance Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil
  • Marine Forces Pacific, Public Affairs
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines --  Through rain or scorching sun, U.S. Air Force maintainers stand ready to support fighter pilots here from the 56th Fighter Wing, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., during their participation in Balikatan 2009. 

Balikatan, which in English means "shoulder to shoulder," is an annual joint bilateral exercise designed to improve United States and the Republic of the Philippines combined planning, combat readiness and interoperability for a wide range of operations, from humanitarian assistance to peacekeeping missions throughout the region. 

To assist pilots during Balikatan 2009, a maintainer's top priority is the safety of the pilots and aircraft. Before a flight, during a flight and well after, the crew chief is responsible for maintaining the aircraft, observing its safety and providing flight maintenance in any number of environments. 

"Just like the F-16 (Fighting Falcon) can fly through any weather, we also need to be prepared to fight through the elements to ensure the aircraft are always in the best condition," said Senior Airman Matthew Golitko, a 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. 

The air component participation in Balikatan 09, was planned and organized by 13th Air Force at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. This participation includes more than six fighter aircraft and 143 personnel from 30 air force specialties here to support Balakatan 09.

The knowledge and expertise of the maintainers participating in this year's exercise is a huge part of successful flight operations, and is greatly appreciated by the pilots who rely on their skills to keep them flying safely. 

"They are the guys who help us ensure our birds are safe and properly maintained," said Maj. Tom Courtney, an F-16 pilot from the 56th FW. "They have the skills needed to identify possible issues and fix them before they cause any damage." 

To highlight the enormous contributions air force maintainers make to every mission, the name of each crew chief is painted on the aircraft they are charged to maintain, right alongside the pilot's hatch. 

"We are the last people to see them before they take off and the first to greet them when they return," said Airman Golitko, from Cleveland, Ohio. "Having our names painted on the aircraft we maintain symbolizes how important the crew chief is to the mission and is a great source of pride for all of us." 

Throughout Balikatan 2009, Philippine and U.S. military maintenance personnel and pilots have been working together to learn about each other's aircraft. The pilots have also used the time to gain more flight experience in foreign skies. 

"It has been a very helpful and positive experience," said Major Courtney. "It is better to be here with the the Philippine Air Force, learning how they do things and what they work with than to be on the other side of the world just hearing about it." 

The crew chief's mission is a small part of the much larger picture of the exercise. Balakatan 09, scheduled through April 30, consists of three simultaneous events. Event one includes humanitarian and civic assistance events designed to improve U.S. and Philippine military civic action cooperation. 

During this event United States and Philippine medical personnel will conduct multiple medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects. 

Phase two is a scenario-based staff exercise which focuses on joint force management at the headquarters levels, while phase three involves cross training and field training exercises.