F-22 course designed to educate Team Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Kocin
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Members of Team Holloman had the chance to get to know the Air Force's newest aircraft March 9 when they took part in the monthly F-22A Raptor Familiarization Course.

The course is designed to introduce all the personnel assigned to Holloman to the aircraft. It also afforded members of Team Holloman the opportunity to see exactly how their job directly ties into the 49th Fighter Wing's mission.

"Col. George Torres, commander of the 49th Maintenance Squadron, wanted to develop a familiarization course that would inform the base populace, civic leaders and organizations about the capabilities and mission of the F-22", said Maj. Anthony Babcock, 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron commander. "Everyone in the 49th Fighter Wing has a role in making the F-22 combat effective, and this is our effort to show people the result of their hard work and dedication."

The course is taught by Staff Sgt. Fredereck Maurath, maintenance training instructor, 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron.

"We provide the students with general information about this unique fighter and, also, the chance to see one up close," said Sergeant Maurath. "We want to help each student understand how their particular job plays a part in making the F-22 mission a success here at Holloman."

The two-hour course covers a basic overview of the F-22A including history, design requirements, mission design, specifications and competitors.

"The classroom portion gives some history about the F-22 and compares it to some of its European competitors and the other fighter aircraft in the U.S. inventory," said Tech. Sgt. James Thurber, development and instruction chief, 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron.

After the classroom instruction, maintainers at the Maintenance Training Flight provide a tour out in the "canyon" of a Raptor. The tour is open to military and civilians of all career fields.

"We give them a closer look at the aircraft than they would see at an air show, "said Sergeant Maurath.

Although students are not allowed in the cockpit, the static display does provide students, who don't work in the maintenance field, the ability to get up close to the Raptor. The students can ask questions and get information that they might normally never have received if they didn't take the familiarization course.

"The course was beneficial and included good information played down to an understandable level," said 2nd Lieutenant Dave Rose, 49th Comptroller Squadron.

Individuals who are curious about the capabilities of the F-22 and have some questions are encouraged to attend these monthly courses.

"Out here at the Maintenance Training Flight we really enjoy teaching this course, "said Sergeant Maurath. "It is a great opportunity for those who don't work in the maintenance field to see exactly what [maintainers] do day in and day out with the F-22."

Like the F-22A, members of Team Holloman who attend this class will be able to increase their ability to gather information and share it with friends, family and co-workers.

For more information about the F-22A Familiarization Course or to attend a course, please contact Sergeant Maurath at 572-4816.

"The necessity of a team approach for success with the F-22 is the reason the MXG developed this familiarization course," said Major Babcock. "The F-22 Familiarization Course is a small part of building the great team that is the 49th Fighter Wing."