Phase Airmen keep jets in the air

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  When a pilot steps in to a $19 million F-16 Fighting Falcon, the last thing he would expect to happen is for an A-system hydraulic pressure line to burst like an artery.

The 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron phase flight Airmen thoroughly inspect and identify discrepancies before they become big problems, allowing Misawa jets to be at the ready for the mission.

The phase office must complete routine and unexpected maintenance in order to keep up with Misawa's high operations tempo.

"After aircraft complete numerous sorties, parts on the aircraft wear and tear just as anything else would," said 1st Lt. Megan McDonough, 35th Maintenance Squadron Phase flight commander. "Our office takes apart the jet, looks inside and repairs what needs to be fixed."

With a five-day suspense on most jets that come in to phase, finding discrepancies and getting them repaired on time is crucial.

"We do our best to shoot for four days," said Staff Sgt. Danny Goodrum, 35th Maintenance Squadron phase dock inspection floor chief. "We have a series of checklists that we must follow to make sure that aircraft leave us on time and operate properly."

With a job this important, there is no shortage of help from other back shops, such as electrical and environmental and avionics. Through their coordinated efforts, Misawa's flying mission is sustained.

"Our job here is to extend the life of aircraft," said Lieutenant McDonough. "We could not get this done without the expertise from all the Airmen working on these jets."