Photo By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Davis | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Elcombe, 492nd Fighter Generation Squadron F-15...... read more read more
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GANDO AIR BASE, SPAIN -- Airmen of the 492nd Fighter Generation Squadron showcased what it means to provide maintenance in any environment at Ocean Sky 25, Oct 20-31.
The 492nd FGS supported two aircraft launches a day during the two week long large force exercise.
During the first week an F-15E Strike Eagle landed with an illuminated amber warning light. Routine maintenance quickly shifted to a unique challenge, requiring a unique solution.
“We had to coordinate with engineers back in the states to get approval because we don’t have the same capabilities here as we do back at home station,” said Master Sgt. Jarrid Bartoy, 492nd FGS production superintendent.
An issue with one of the aircraft’s integrated drive generators , located with the aircraft’s hydraulic pumps, meant that the aircraft couldn’t operate at full capacity.
A team quickly formed together of crew chiefs, electrical and environmental systems and fuels Airmen.
“As we began to tackle the problem, I realized I encountered a similar event on my last exercise in Finland,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Elcombe, 492nd FGS F-15 electrical and environmental systems craftsman.
Together the Bolar maintainers were able to adapt a unique approach to the issue by manually draining the aircraft of oil, checking for contaminants and bringing in a new integrated drive generator. The team spotted an issue and was able to replace a critical portion of the part on the flightline, a task normally only performed in a backshop.
“With my previous experience in the field and the team’s combined systems knowledge we were able to make sure the aircraft was ready to fly again that week,” said Elcombe.
Throughout the exercise, each challenge faced by the Madhatters was an opportunity to revisit operating procedures and develop alternative methods to meet mission demands while away from home station.
“Everyone’s working night and day to keep the jets turning,” said Capt. Lydia Knutson, 492nd Fighter Squadron F-15E pilot. “We haven’t had any lines fall out yet, which has been pretty incredible and just goes to show how much everyone’s working to support our mission.”
Exercises like Ocean Sky offer a unique opportunity to train in a focused, fast paced environment, encouraging the team to work and train closely.
“I want to give a shoutout to the entire team. They’ve had their foot on the gas the entire time getting after all these different issues and pushing hard day after day,” said Bartoy. “Just by doing these reps we’re getting improvement after improvement and win after win.”
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2025 04:54 |
| Story ID: | 550557 |
| Location: | ES |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Always ready: 492d FGS Airmen own the skies at Ocean Sky, by SSgt Elizabeth Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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