Safety first, always for AFE members

Senior Airman Albert Anderson, 366th Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, inspects the flight equipment of an F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew member before a sortie Feb. 3, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Anderson is among more than 3,200 service members participating in the Red Flag 14-1. Red Flag is the U.S. Air Force’s premier exercise and gives air and ground crews the opportunity to experience realistic, stressful combat situations in a controlled environment to increase their ability to complete missions and return home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)

Safety first, always for AFE members

Senior Airman Albert Anderson, 366th Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, measures cord to ensure it is the proper length for an F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew member before a sortie Feb. 3, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. More than 150 service members from Mountain Home AFB are currently on temporary duty assignment at Nellis AFB participating in the multinational combat exercise Red Flag 14-1. Red Flag gives aircrews and air support operations service members from various airframes, military services and allied countries an opportunity to integrate and practice combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Air Benjamin Sutton/Released)

Safety first, always for AFE members

Capt. Daniel Snyder, 391st Fighter Squadron trainer, from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, puts on his Anti-G suit before a sortie Feb. 3, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Twelve aircraft along with more than 150 service members are currently on temporary duty assignment to Nellis AFB participating in the multinational combat exercise Red Flag 14-1. Red Flag gives aircrews and air support operations service members from various airframes, military services and allied countries an opportunity to integrate and practice combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)

Safety first, always for AFE members

Published Feb. 7, 2014
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- When the Blue Force aircrews prepare for sorties during Red Flag 14-1, their focus is on meeting mission objectives and eliminating oppositional forces.

With such important demands requiring their attention, they trust a select group of individuals who ensure their life-support equipment is operational in the event of an emergency.

"We are responsible for safety inspections pertaining to all flying gear and are the last stop for members of the aircrew before they step to their respective jets," said Master Sgt. Shane Ward, 366th Operation Support Squadron NCO in charge of aircrew flight equipment, from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. "We are responsible for providing safe and effective aircrew flight equipment which we do by using multiple safety inspections."

The AFE members perform both pre and post-flight inspections in order to ensure flight equipment safety.

"The inspections are performed on a continuous basis so if deficiencies are found they can be fixed and departure times aren't delayed," said Tech. Sgt. Andre Patterson, 366th OSS AFE technician. "That would have a negative effect on the training here at Red Flag."
Red Flag gives Airmen an opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios which prepare and train them in the event of future conflicts or war.

"At any given time we could get a call and deploy within 72-hours and Red Flag helps ensure we are prepared to do exactly that," Ward said. "It's high-stress and a lot of work, but we know this experience will benefit us in the future."

More than 10 different AFE shops are currently working side-by-side while participating in Red Flag 14-1, including members from the Royal Australian and British air forces.

"We are truly enjoying the opportunity to work with these fellow service members," Patterson said. "Eventually we may have the chance to work with coalition partner nations when deployed and Red Flag is the place where we build fantastic working relationships."

During the exercise, military members, analysts and other positions from bases across the United States and other ally countries work together while fighting against the more-experienced Red Force, a group from Nellis AFB.

"All this increases our capabilities as an Air Force in fighting the Global War on Terrorism," Ward said. "We are lucky to have a great team here and a really strong group of senior NCOs."

Red Flag gives ground crews an opportunity to have their readiness tested in a controlled environment.

"The entire experience has been such a learning experience," said Senior Airman Albert Anderson, 366th OSS AFE technician. "Red Flag is so fast-paced which means we are extremely busy. For us, there is no room for error when it comes to the safety of aircrew. It's a ton of work but the rewards make it completely worth it."