Photo By Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado | A U.S. Air Force Aircrew Flight Equipment technician, assigned to the 1st Special...... read more read more
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HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.— The oxygen mask seals tight and night vision goggles click into place. Each component has been tested, maintained and inspected with precision—not by those who wear it, but by those responsible for ensuring it works when it matters most.
At Hurlburt Field, Aircrew Flight Equipment technicians make sure aircrew have the gear they need. From flotation devices to communication systems, they help keep missions safe from start to finish.
“My level of trust in the AFE team here is very high, and it has to be,” said a 1st Special Operations Wing aircraft loadmaster. “Every single piece of equipment I use, that is pre-flighted and inspected, directly relates to saving my life or protecting the aircraft.”
AFE technicians inspect and prepare gear not only before mobilization, but they assess and reset equipment after each mission to ensure all components are ready for use.
Though aware of the importance of their responsibilities, a 1 SOW AFE technician said the impact of the job became more apparent during training.
"When I was in technical school, learning how to do this job, we had a pilot come in and he expressed how he actually ended up using our gear," said the AFE technician. "He had to eject from a plane and the fact that his parachute worked properly allowed him to safely land and return to his family. That honestly made me proud to even be a part of a career that contributes to that."
Airmen take their responsibility seriously and it shows in how they talk about the job, as explained by a 1 SOW AFE noncommissioned officer in charge.
“On somebody’s worst day in their life, AFE will be the last to let them down,” said the NCOIC. “And we will ensure their safety.”
Not every piece of gear is used on every flight, but it’s critical when emergencies happen. AFE’s work ensures that aircrew have reliable equipment to stay prepared for any situation.
"It honestly saves lives,” said the technician. "That is what our job is, to make sure the gear we are inspecting and preparing will be there in case they need it. Hopefully they don't, but when push comes to shove, our gear is what will save their life."
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2025 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 497029 |
| Location: | HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Precision under pressure: Behind the mission with Aircrew Flight Equipment Airmen, by A1C Raul Mercado, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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