Repair team keeps Misawa F-16s ready to fight

Published May 8, 2011
By SSgt April Quintanilla
35 Fighter Wing/ Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A four person depot team from Gimhae, Korea, arrived in Misawa in mid-January to inspect F-16s.

The repairs are part of an Air Force wide measure to inspect and repair F-16s as needed.

Over the past months, the team has been busy inspecting and repairing Misawa's jets, maintaining the structural integrity of the fleet. The depot team is expected to be here until all aircraft have been thoroughly inspected. If left uninspected it could lead to grounding of aircraft and possible mission failure.

"Cracks were noted on some F-16s, so repairs were mandated throughout the Air Force on F-16 models," said Senior Master Sgt. Darrell Roberson, 35th Maintenance Squadron quality assurance superintendent and the repair point of contact for Misawa Air Base. "By bringing the repair team to Misawa we are increasing availability and serving the Air Force, thus saving the base approximately $500,000."