IAF overcomes challenges, takes best practices from RF-Alaska

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel | Avionics maintenance airmen from the Indian Air Force (IAF), 14 Fighter Squadron, Ambala Air Base, India, look on as U.S. Air Force airmen from the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, replace a panel on an F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft April 29, 2016, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. IAF airmen learn best practices and new technology participating in RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1, a Pacific Air Forces command directed field training exercise for U.S. and allied forces, to provide joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel/Released)  

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK, UNITED STATES

04.29.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel 

354th Fighter Wing

With 5,300 miles between them and home maintenance airmen from the Indian Air Force, 14 Fighter Squadron from Ambala Air Base, India are experiencing a far different climate, terrain and common work practices while they participate in RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1.

While at Eielson they will simulate the first 10 combat sorties during the surge of a conflict, working alongside their counterparts from around the world in the cold early mornings and into the mosquito filled evenings to keep their jets in top working order.

“We are here to support pilots while they hone their skills of combat flying, but we learn valuable lessons throughout the experience that will help our maintenance team improve their skills,” said Squadron Commander Latish Palakkot, 14 FS officer in charge of maintenance. “Very seldom do we get to see so many airframes from so many fleets from who we can take positive work practices and apply it to our routine.”

While the operational tempo they are experiencing here isn’t far from what they experience at Ambala Air Station, Maharajan said his airmen are learning to overcome weather uncommon to their normal working environment.

“The mornings are much colder than home, so its really showing how our maintenance team can overcome challenges and get the mission accomplished anywhere in the world,” he said.

Along with the challenge of the arctic spring environment, variances in equipment has given the IAF unit an opportunity to overcome aircraft specific obstacles. The fasteners used to supply their Jaguar attack jet aircraft with liquid oxygen and nitrogen are different than those available in the U.S.

“It took a lot of proactive planning to anticipate all the combinations of fasteners we would need,” Palakkot said. “Our specialized teams did an amazing job looking forward with the available information and lead time to get this accomplished and we are flawlessly able to resupply our jets.”

While en route across the continents to Eielson, an in-flight mechanical issue caused an unexpected stop in Canada, which was quickly resolved and thanks to the skill and precision of the hand-picked maintenance team of 42.

“We are constantly impressed with the technicians we have chosen,” said Wing Commander M. Maharajan, 14 FS senior engineering officer. “They expedited the processes to successfully complete the commute to RF-A not losing any time.”

Maharajan said the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Eielson has also went above and beyond as hosts to the IAF.

“The support we have received has been over the top,” he said. “One example occurred when we worked with the tool crib to familiarize ourselves with how they handle continuity of equipment. We were able to learn a lot from their processes, which we may be able to use in our daily work. This will help us become faster and more efficient, which was one of the main goals we came here with.”

• Date Taken: 04.29.2016
• Date Posted: 05.09.2016 13:33
• Story ID: 197680
• Location: EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK, US