Maintainers keep jets flying at Cope North

Published June 25, 2007
By Marine Corporal Ashleigh Bryant
Det. 10, Air Force News Agency

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Of the 346 sorties flown during Exercise Cope North 2007, not one would be possible without the work done by maintenance crews.

"We do inspections and maintenance with anything that has to do with the jet," said Airman 1st Class Rene Garcia, an F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance crew chief deployed from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

"From fuel, and tires, to light bulbs we take a part in it," said the Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., crew chief.

But it's more than just making sure the jets get up in the air ... these maintainers are getting to experience Air Force air power first hand.

"Just seeing them take off ... being the one percent of the people (who) can be up close makes it all worthwhile," Airman Garcia said.

Cope North, which concluded June 22, paired Japan Air Self Defense Force F-2s with F-16s during the exercise, giving both JASDF and U.S. maintainers the chance to get a look at the similarities and differences in the jets.