Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Maldonado | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jessica Arancibia, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron...... read more read more
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This flight is tasked with maintaining the machinery needed for Fighting Falcons, and the pilots who control them, to accomplish the 20th Fighter Wing's primary mission of suppressing enemy air defenses.
“In order to help the pilots complete their mission they will need proper weaponry,” said Master Sgt. James White, 20th EMS arms and military equipment NCO in charge. “We check to make sure that all equipment going on the aircraft is torn apart, inspected and sent back out for installation, ensuring pilot and aircraft safety.”
These Airmen maintain armaments to include the M-61A1 20 mm multi-barrel cannon, LAU-117/118 armament launchers, and the weapon pylons used for equipping launchers onto the aircraft.
On average, the Airmen assigned to the armament flight inspect, repair and send out approximately 1,800 pieces of equipment and weaponry annually to support worldwide SEAD operations.
“Being the flight that maintains and supplies the steel for the pilots is pretty impactful, said Airman 1st Class Spencer Laird, 20th EMS aircraft armament systems technician.
“When you get to assemble the pieces that make up these guns and launchers, it gives you a better understanding of the power that they provide for the aircraft,” said Laird.
Working around the clock, 20th EMS Armament Flight Airmen provide F-16s with the firepower needed to accomplish the mission.
| Date Taken: | 03.31.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2017 08:45 |
| Story ID: | 228727 |
| Location: | SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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