Misawa Airmen equip fighter pilots for survival

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Deana Heitzman | U.S. Air Force Capt. Miklos Preysz, the bravo flight commander with the 14th Fighter Squadron, gets his display unit adjusted at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 8, 2016. Adjusting a display unit enhances acuity for combat tactics during flight. The display rests in front of the helmet and shows the pilot their airspeed and altitude. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Deana Heitzman)  

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

03.14.2016

Story by Senior Airman Deana Heitzman 

35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - "The equipment worked great guys, thank you," a pilot says while walking through the doors of a locker room.

Though that sentence seems like common courtesy, for the 35th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment section, it's a reassuring gesture meaning their job was successfully carried out.

The daily mission of these Airmen is ensuring all equipment worn by pilots, including their survival gear, is in operational order during flight.

During the beginning of their shift, AFE Airmen prepare gear for the pilots scheduled to fly that day. Each pilot is measured and their equipment is tailored to their body. AFE Airmen ensure there are no discrepancies in the equipment before and after each flight.

Pilots are equipped with a life preserver, parachute harness, a Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System helmet, display unit, MBU 20/P breathing mask, G-Suit and survival vest. All of this equipment is thoroughly checked between flights by carefully breaking down each component and looking for anything broken or misplaced.

• Date Taken: 03.14.2016
• Date Posted: 03.14.2016 19:36
• Story ID: 192347
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP