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SARM help keep aircrew flying

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Pilots and weapons system officers from throughout the 366th Fighter Wing rely on intense training, skill and preparation to fly, fight and win.

These aircrew personnel are assisted by a dedicated group of individuals known as squadron aviation resource managers.

"Basically, our job is to ensure everything and everyone is ready for the daily flying missions," said Staff Sgt. Guenevere Coursey, 389th Fighter Squadron ARM. "Without accurate and complete records the aircrew wouldn't be qualified to deploy as combat ready Airmen."

More specifically, the SARM are responsible for managing aviation and parachutist duties by performing scheduling, standardization and evaluation functions, maintaining parachutist jump records, validating aircrew safety requirements and monitoring daily flight mission data.

Pilot and WSO safety is always one of the main concerns for SARM Airmen.

"We validate if aircrew members have met daily aircraft and physical safety requirements before authorizing them to proceed to their assigned aircraft," said Senior Airman Casiana Curry-Williams, 389th FS ARM. "Another task vital to assisting aircrew is coordinating with maintenance and base operations for the tail numbers assigned to each flight as well as with the weather flight for current weather information."

As liaisons between the aircrew and maintenance, many resource managers have taken it upon themselves to learn about different parts of the aircraft and how they function on the ground as well as in the air.

"Through the years we've learned it's important for us to take time to learn about the aircraft's parts and pieces," said Coursey. "If a pilot calls us while airborne with an issue we are able to better diagnose and explain the problem to maintainers on the ground if we have a more in-depth knowledge of the aircraft."

MHAFB is one of the few solely F-15E Strike Eagle bases throughout the Air Force giving Airmen the opportunity to focus specifically on the Strike Eagle and assisting supervisors in ensuring work is completed on time, every week.

"As a noncommissioned officer, I build the weekly schedule and ensure the operations desk is covered before and after flying," said Staff Sgt. Desiree Johnson, 391st Fighter Squadron ARM. "I assist with training the new Airman and perform spot checks others to ensure they are correctly accomplishing what needs to be done.

"We must stay proficient at our core tasks because keeping aircrew combat ready is a huge priority," she continued.

Being a vital part of a fighter squadron means SARM are constantly preparing to deploy with the aircrew, maintainers and aircraft.

"On our last deployment our operations tempo was fairly normal," said Senior Airman Anna Meechai-Wilson, 391st FS ARM. "During deployments we have the added duty of tracking munitions expended and charting and mapping enemy activity in the area of responsibility which gives aircrew better situational awareness.

"Our squadron can deploy anywhere in the world and it's our job to ensure they are qualified and prepare to take the fight to the enemy," she continued. "It's the best job in the Air Force and I love it!"