Enforcers of the wing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachel Kocin
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.-- --  There can be many elements to a maintainer's daily job here at Holloman. For one weapons load crew chief, his day starts with non-physical training at 6:30 a.m. followed by a day of work on the Air Force's most advanced fighter. 

First thing in the morning Staff Sgt. Ernest Fishburne with the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron instructs his troops to get all the tools they need to complete their jobs. The jobs are assigned by the expediter at the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. 

"I usually perform red-balls (fixing any problems with the aircraft) during launches, and any maintenance or loading that has to be done," he said. "My day is usually over between the hours of 3:30 or 4 p.m." 

Weapons load crew troops start their day inspecting their quads and hangars, where the F-22A Raptors are stored. 

"We make sure everything is good, basic safety equipment including fire extinguishers and eye wash stations, so that when we go out to do a job we don't have to worry about faulty equipment," said Senior Airman Toby Hernandez, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, weapons load crew member. 

The load crew members take part in launches during the day and perform foreign objects disposal walks to pick up anything on the fight line such as rocks or screws that might damage an aircraft's engine. 

Due to the sensitivity of the Raptor's engine, FOD walks must be regularly accomplished to protect the two engines which are valued at over $7 million each. 

To better familiarize themselves with the fifth generation stealth fighter, the load crew members had to learn new information and undergo on-the-job training with the F-22.
 
"The system is different and a lot more advanced," said Airman Hernandez. "This jet is like a big supercomputer - you are constantly doing everything electronically."
 
The computers on the F-22 allow the aircraft to have air-superiority by providing low observability and a tracking system that delivers its payload on target and on time. 

"Payload on the F-22 is also bigger. The F-117 could only hold two munitions and the F-22 can hold multiple," he said. 

One difference from the F-117, which used guided bombs, is the F-22 uses more missiles. 

"We load bombs and missiles so the pilot can go out and get the mission done," said Sergeant Fishburne. "We are the enforcers of the wing." 

From day to day, a lot goes on at the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Weapons are one of the pieces that fit into the F-22 mission. Sergeant Fishburne and his crew make sure the 49th Fighter Wing lives up to the motto "Tutor Et Ultor."