AFETS ensure MXG mission success

Published Dec. 6, 2013
By Senior Airman Caitlin Guinazu
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The Air Force Engineering and Technical Service work diligently to maintain and deliver aircraft system knowledge and mission effective technical advice, assistance and training.

Consisting of a five-man contractor team, AFETS has a combined total of 92 years in F-15 maintenance experience.

"Aircraft maintenance requires tactical excellence, from the youngest Airman to the group commander," said Col. Michael C. Lawrence, 366th Maintenance Group commander. "The Air Force Engineering and Technical Service provide a treasure chest of capability. They help train on the most perplexing maintenance faults and help sharpen our combat edge by deploying alongside our airmen."

With the goal of providing technical assistance and training to Department of Defense personnel, these members of the Gunfighter family stand ready to respond to any situation.

"During the recent sequestration with not a single person flying, we set up 15 training courses for more than 128 individuals, in a variety of maintenance issues," said Frank Kovanda, AFETS supervisor.

By facilitating maintenance on the flight line, back shops and aircrafts, AFETS is the expertise and go between for the engineers and the flight line.

"Instead of maintainers directly dealing with the engineers, they come to us first," said Jim Burzumato, AFETS weapons and avionics. "We'll try to find a solution to the problem. This way it takes a load off the engineers and also provides continuity on our expertise."

AFETS supports maintenance units in reaching self-sufficiency through training, assistance and knowledge continuity.

"In the Air Force usually what happens is when you promote to Tech. Sgt. or Master Sgt. you are transferred to a management position," said Lt. Col. Tony Lombardo, 366th MXG deputy chief. "When all that amazing technical expertise is moved to a desk job we now have a gap. What makes AFETS so amazing is that they step in to fill that gap and bring that knowledge back."

Always ready to assist, the teamwork AFETS brings to the table makes a monumental impact to all personnel within the maintenance squadron.

"AFETS provides a ready resource of innovation by helping make improvements to existing technical data, training and management practices," said Lawrence. "In short, they are a huge part of the Gunfighter team, and I wouldn't leave home without them!"