MacDill displays readiness with aircraft arresting system

Photo By Senior Airman Hiram Martinez | U.S. Airmen with the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron respond to an F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, after testing a Bak-12 aircraft arresting system at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 22, 2022. The Bak-12 is used to support fighter type aircraft in the event of an in-flight emergency by preventing the aircraft from overrunning on the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez)  

TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES

04.27.2022

Story by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez 

6th Air Refueling Wing

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – U.S. Airmen from the 6th Air Refueling Wing alongside two F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, complete the annual certification on the south Bak-12 aircraft arresting system on April 22, 2022, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Although fighters are not assigned to MacDill, its geographical location makes it a perfect candidate to support nearby bases to include Eglin AFB, Shaw AFB, Tyndall AFB, Homestead ARB and Seymour Johnson AFB”

“It’s a service not many Air Mobility Command bases provide,” said Link Collier, 6th Operations Support Squadron airfield manager. “However, the 6th ARW’s multi-capable Airmen continue to display why MacDill AFB is trusted with providing a unique type of support.”

The Bak-12 system is used to support fighter aircraft in situations such as an in-flight emergency or when aircraft lose hydraulic fuel in the brakes.

“It’s simple, but effective,” said Allen Raysor, a 6th Civil Engineer Squadron power production mechanic. “Once the aircraft reports the IFE, it will prepare to land and catch a cable with a hook until it slows down and comes to a full stop.”

Once the cable is engaged by an aircraft, the 6th CES Fire and Rescue Airmen respond to the aircraft to ensure it is safe. It is then handed over to transient alert, where it is unhooked from the cable and it will either taxi back or be towed to a parking spot.

The successful completion of the Bak-12 certification exercise reflects on the 6th ARW’s readiness and compliance with U.S. Air Force standards.

“We’ll be ready,” Collier said. “From the mechanics to the pilots, we will maintain our readiness and standards in order to keep the mission going.”

• Date Taken: 04.27.2022
• Date Posted: 04.27.2022 16:35
• Story ID: 419478
• Location: TAMPA, FL, US