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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Xerin Merriweather, a firefighter with the 188th Civil Engineering Squadron, inspects the aircraft arresting system following a successful engagement test at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Ark., July 17, 2026. The inspection ensures the system is clear of debris and functioning correctly before being rewound for operational use.
U.S. Marines with the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 “Cowboys” (VMFA-112) flew an F/A-18C Hornet to Ebbing to assist with the annual recertification of the arresting gear at Ebbing/Fort Smith Regional Airport runways.
During the recertification, the Hornet tested Ebbing’s emergency aircraft arresting system at approximately 100 knots. The test verified that the arresting gear is fully operational and capable of safely stopping an aircraft in the event of an emergency, such as a brake failure during landing.
When needed, air traffic controllers can raise the BAK-14 cable remotely for tail hook equipped aircraft to engage the arresting cable, providing a critical layer of protection for both aircrew and aircraft.
This joint training brought together the 188th Wing Fire Department, Airfield Management, Barrier Maintenance personnel, and the Marine Corps Reserve to validate emergency response procedures and ensure the system remains certified and ready for use.
Training alongside Total Force partners strengthens interoperability, enhances mission readiness, and reinforces the shared commitment to protecting the people while maintaining the highest standards of aircraft safety.
(U.S. National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Teare)
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2026 15:31 |
| Photo ID: | 9820816 |
| VIRIN: | 260717-Z-SO717-1033 |
| Resolution: | 6087x4058 |
| Size: | 3.87 MB |
| Location: | FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, VMFA-112 Cowboys help Ebbing ANGB with Arresting Cable Recertification [Image 38 of 38], by TSgt Patricia Teare, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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