Misawa Airmen enhance ACE capabilities, learn new skills and repair runway

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Bulow-Gonterman
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Twenty-four Airmen from nine different squadrons participated in a Multi-Capable Airmen event in support of the Agile Combat Employment concept at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 12, 2020. The MCAs completed airfield inspections and four expedient spall repairs on the flightline.

A spall is broken up, flaked or pitted concrete, which measure less than two square feet and can quickly be repaired. Spall repairs are vital to keeping the airfield operational and preventing potential damage to aircraft due to debris.

“The MCA training gave me a better understanding of all the different factors that need to be considered when it comes to airfield inspections and repair,” said Staff Sgt. Neallani Ramez, 35th Medical Operations Squadron allergy and immunization clinic NCO in charge. “It put into perspective the team effort it will take to make sure airfields are within safe operating standards during ACE deployments. It was an overall great experience! I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into at first, but I’m glad I got the opportunity to be a part of it. The instructors did a great job of explaining exactly what we were doing, why we were doing it, and demonstrating how to do it.”

Multi-Capable Airmen events are a unique opportunity for Airmen to train outside their primary career field and as part of a cross-functional team supporting aircraft recovery, refueling, reloading, and launching operations.