Keeping equipment fit for duty

Photo By Senior Airman Nigel Sandridge | Senior Airman Jeffery Berry, 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, fits Capt. Chris DuBois, 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, with a helmet at the Quick Reaction Alert facility at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, Jan. 7, 2014. Equipment is modified to fit each aircrew member properly, helping to prevent injury during ejection and minimizing distractions, allowing pilots to support the mission as safely as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge /Released)  

SIAULIAI, LITHUANIA

01.07.2014

Story by Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge 

48th Fighter Wing

SIAULIAI, Lithuania - Pilots must always be ready to go when tasked with a mission, therefore, so must their gear. With such a high-speed lifestyle, situations can arise where their skills and equipment are put to the test. Survival can be make or break, largely depending on their equipment.

During the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, it is the job of Senior Airman Jeffery Berry, 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, to make sure that F-15C Eagle pilots at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, have everything they need to give them the best chance of survival in case of an emergency.

“My job is to make the equipment that the aircrews use in flight,” said Berry. “It’s pretty important because if the pilot ejects, they rely on us.”

Providing properly fitted gear is crucial to maintaining the well-being of aircrew. Equipment is modified to fit each individual, helping prevent injury during ejection and giving pilots the peace of mind necessary to minimize distractions and support the mission as safely as possible.

“They pre-flight all of our suits and equipment and make sure that it’s good to go, so when we’re out there flying it’s the last thing we have on our mind,” said Capt. Chris DuBois, 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot. “It’s lifesaving equipment.”

With multiple pilots on station during the BAP mission, Berry manages over $1.2 million worth of flight equipment.

“My job is really rewarding,” said Berry. “Our equipment is always in use and our pilots are always ready to go.”

“It’s all about maintaining ‘the Gold standard’.”

• Date Taken: 01.07.2014
• Date Posted: 01.24.2014 05:06
• Story ID: 119584
• Location: SIAULIAI, LT