ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Safety remains a vital priority for the 48th Fighter Wing. Specific equipment that Liberty aircrews need to perform the mission of providing combat airpower in support of the collective defense of U.S. partners and allies requires regular inspection and maintenance to guarantee it functions at top performance during air operations.
Every unique piece of gear, from G-Suits to helmets, communications and survival rations, is carefully maintained by Liberty Aircrew Flight Equipment Airmen, ensuring that aircrews are outfitted for any situation they may face in the air, land or sea.
“The AFE Flight inspects, repairs and packs all the equipment that the aircrew utilize to perform their in-flight duties and installs any life-saving equipment in the aircraft for use during emergency egress,” said Staff Sgt. David Vasquez-Velez, AFE shop floor lead at the 492 Fighter Squadron, from the 48th Operation Support Squadron. “Our aircrews can fly confidently knowing that if something does go wrong, our gear will be there to help them out with any situation they might encounter.”
Additionally, the AFE technicians perform detailed inspections on survival kits and life rafts to ensure serviceability, as well as maintain helmets, oxygen masks, survival vests, G-suits, harnesses, night vision goggles, Aircrew Laser Eye Protection systems before takeoff and after landing.
"On a day to day basis here at the Main Shop we inspect a key component of the oxygen system that allows them to breathe in the aircraft,” said Airman 1st Class Tanya Stewart, AFE Technician from the 48th OSS. “We also inspect the over-the-shoulder suits that they wear every day and as needed hand sew the neck, wrist and ankle seals and patch any holes. In addition we inspect their Advanced Concept Ejection Seat -II parachutes, drogue parachutes and survival kits.”
The bond between AFE Airmen and the aircrew is one of immense trust and mutual respect. Acute attention to detail by AFE technicians is essential to provide crews with the confidence they need to be able to operate with confidence.
“Every time I check my G-suit or my helmet it works every time,” said Capt. Michael McKone, 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot. “That trust of knowing my gear is going to work and I don’t have to worry about it when I plug into the jet or if I have to eject and have to use that equipment allows me to carry out the mission with confidence.”
The peace of mind afforded to 48th Fighter Wing aircrew through efficiency and comfort during normal operations or survival and recovery during an emergency, is an invaluable contribution to the collective safety of Liberty Wing Airmen. The hard work and dedication to their craft displayed by AFE maintainers enhance the 48th Fighter Wing’s mission readiness and commitment to defend U.S. allies and partners.