Test Cell

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Senior Airman Christian Lucero, 49th Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion engineer, checks the components of an F119-PW-100 jet engine April 19. Safety precautions are always taken for the health and welfare of all personnel involved in the engine test. The F119-PW-100 jet engine is the primary propulsion system for the F-22 Raptor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael A. Shoemaker/Released)

Test Cell

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – An F119-PW-100 jet engine is tested in a full afterburner state April 19. Airmen from the 49th Maintenance Squadron test aircraft engines like these in a specialized hangar, known as a hush house, to ensure that all components are functioning properly before use. The F119-PW-100 jet engine is the primary propulsion system for the F-22 Raptor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael A. Shoemaker/Released)

Test Cell

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Tech. Sgt. Raul Marrero, 49th Maintenance Squadron test cell technician, attaches a gang drain collector to an F119-PW-100 jet engine April 19. The gang drain helped to monitor the amount of oil that’s released from the engine as well as help determine if there were any ferrous metals in the mixture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael A. Shoemaker/Released)

Test Cell

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Byron Brancio, a contractor with 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Staff Sgt. Travis Laverne, 49th Maintenance Squadron test cell technician; and Staff Sgt. Michael Welch, 49th MXS propulsion and flight technician, sit in a M37 test stand of a run cab April 19. The run cab allows for the safe portable control of an engine test. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael A. Shoemaker/Released)

T-38 Maintainers

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Aircraft egress mechanics for the T-38 Talon perform maintenance on ejection seats April 19. Each seat is composed of a system of small explosives that ensure the seat will launch out of the aircraft. Egress mechanics are responsible for maintaining critical equipment that could save a pilot’s life in the event of an emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel E. Liddicoet/Released)

T-38 Maintainers

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Larry Hilton, an aircraft sheet metal mechanic for the T-38 Talon, fastens the seal on an aft canopy April 19. Hilton’s continual maintenance of crucial parts like the canopy ensures that the aircrew of the T-38 are able to operate the aircraft safely at all times. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel E. Liddicoet/Released)