U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) supervisor, inspects a mechanical component under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025.

35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) supervisor, inspects a mechanical component under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025. NDI technicians use advanced techniques such as ultrasonic testing, X-ray and dye penetrant inspection to locate cracks, corrosion and fatigue that aren't visible to the naked eye, allowing maintenance teams to address issues proactively and keep aircraft fully capable for operational taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection supervisor, washes a mechanical component before inspection at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025

35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection supervisor, washes a mechanical component before inspection at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025. Timely inspections reduce the risk of in-flight malfunctions and unscheduled maintenance, ensuring that aircraft can launch on short notice and support operations, crisis response, or deterrence missions throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) supervisor, inspects a mechanical component under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025.

    35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) supervisor, inspects a mechanical component under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025. NDI technicians use advanced techniques such as ultrasonic testing, X-ray and dye penetrant inspection to locate cracks, corrosion and fatigue that aren't visible to the naked eye, allowing maintenance teams to address issues proactively and keep aircraft fully capable for operational taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection supervisor, washes a mechanical component before inspection at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025

    35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection supervisor, washes a mechanical component before inspection at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025. Timely inspections reduce the risk of in-flight malfunctions and unscheduled maintenance, ensuring that aircraft can launch on short notice and support operations, crisis response, or deterrence missions throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrick Boyle
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  

Nondestructive Inspection Airmen play a vital role in sustaining aircraft reliability by identifying hidden structural issues that could compromise performance or safety, directly enabling the 35th Fighter Wing to maintain operational readiness, fulfill security obligations with regional partners, and project combat power across the Indo-Pacific. 

A mechanical component is inspected under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025.

35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

A mechanical component is inspected under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025. Nondestructive Inspection Airmen play a vital role in sustaining aircraft reliability by identifying hidden structural issues that could compromise performance or safety, directly enabling the 35th Fighter Wing to maintain operational readiness, fulfill security obligations with regional partners, and project combat power across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
SLIDESHOW | 2 images | 35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness
A mechanical component is inspected under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025.

35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

A mechanical component is inspected under black light at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025. Nondestructive Inspection Airmen play a vital role in sustaining aircraft reliability by identifying hidden structural issues that could compromise performance or safety, directly enabling the 35th Fighter Wing to maintain operational readiness, fulfill security obligations with regional partners, and project combat power across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) supervisor, inspects a mechanical component at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025.

35th MXS Nondestructive Inspection Airmen ensure safety and mission readiness

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estella Gilbert, 35th Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) supervisor, inspects a mechanical component at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2025. By detecting structural fatigue, corrosion and other forms of degradation early, NDI extends the lifespan of essential aircraft components, reducing the need for premature part replacement and enabling the USAF to sustain a persistent forward presence without straining logistics, maintenance cycles or combat capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)

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