News>Thunderbird maintainers keep show running behind the scenes
Photos
Maj. David Lemery and Staff Sgt. Brandon Bingham touch up an Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon during a pre-inspection Nov. 5, 2010, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Major Lemery is the Thunderbirds maintenance officer and Sergeant Bingham is a Thunderbird assistant crew chief. The air demonstration team was at Lackland AFB to perform during AirFest 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamie Powell)
Before starting their aircraft pre-inspections Nov. 5, 2010, for an air show taking place Nov. 6 and 7 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Air Force Thunderbird maintainers are inspected during open ranks. The Thunderbirds team is made up of 12 officers and more than 120 enlisted maintenance and support Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamie Powell)
Tech. Sgt. Jose Hidalgo checks the tire pressure on an Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon during his pre-inspection Nov. 5, 2010, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Sergeant Hidalgo is a Thunderbirds assistant crew chief. The air demonstration team was at Lackland AFB to perform during AirFest 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Jamie Powell)
An Air Force Thunderbirds maintainer performs a pre-inspection on a Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to a flight Nov. 5, 2010, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Unlike any other fighter squadron in the Air Force, the Thunderbird pilots do not do a typical walk-around inspection but rely on their crew chiefs to carry out that responsibility. The air demonstration team was at Lackland AFB to perform during AirFest 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamie Powell)
Air Force Thunderbird maintainers finish pre-inspections on the air demonstration team's F-16 Fighting Falcons Nov. 5, 2010, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The Thunderbirds performed an air show Nov. 6 and 7 at Lackland AFB's AirFest 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamie Powell)
Staff Sgt. Nathan Kearns completes a pre-inspection on an Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon Nov. 5, 2010, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Sergeant Kearns is an Air Force Thunderbirds crew chief. The air demonstration team was at Lackland AFB to perform during AirFest 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamie Powell)
by Staff Sgt. Chris Powell
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
11/6/2010 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Throughout its 57 years in existence, the Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team has never canceled a performance due to maintenance issues.
When you factor in the Thunderbirds' most recent air show performance Nov. 6 and 7 during AirFest 2010 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, continuing the streak of thousands of continuous shows, it's even more impressive.
"We make sure the pilots can walk out to the aircraft, pop in and go," said Staff Sgt. Nathan Kearns, a Thunderbird crew chief. "Unlike any fighter squadron in the Air Force, (the Thunderbird pilots) do not do a typical walk-around inspection as a normal fighter pilot would. They put faith in us that we're doing our job so they can come out and do their thing."
Once all necessary maintenance is performed on one of the Thunderbirds' 11 F-16 Fighting Falcons, an assistant crew chief inspects the aircraft and fills out the required forms. After that, a crew chief performs his own inspection and ensures the forms are accurate. Finally, the production superintendent completes a final inspection and signs the paperwork, officially declaring the aircraft as being ready for flight.
"It adds pressure that (the pilots) don't walk these aircraft over," Sergeant Kearns said. "Maintaining a $30 million aircraft and having the pilot's life in our hands is stressful, I won't lie, but it's something we've trained for.
"We go so far as ensuring every switch in that cockpit is set up for how that individual pilot wants it," he added.
Attention to detail is extremely important in their line of duty. That's why the maintenance team begins every day with an open-ranks inspection and cleans the aircraft several times a day.
"These jets are cleaned head to toe two or three times a day with wax and Windex," Sergeant Kearns said. "We wipe off every little bug smear."
Another unique feature of the Thunderbirds maintenance team is every assistant crew chief comes from a specialty that doesn't normally perform mechanical maintenance on an aircraft, such as an aerospace ground equipment mechanic or fuels shop Airman, said Staff Sgt. Brandon Bingham, a Thunderbird assistant crew chief. But as Thunderbird members, they perform their traditional duties as well as helping to maintain the aircraft, giving them experience they normally would never receive at an Air Force base.
"At a normal squadron, I would never touch an aircraft," said Staff Sgt. Jason Wilson, a Thunderbird AGE mechanic and assistant crew chief. "My job, as an AGE guy, is to take the equipment out to the aircraft. It's nice to come out here, work on the aircraft, become a crew chief and see what (the maintainers) do every day."
To get the assistant crew chiefs capable to perform mechanical maintenance on an aircraft, the team relies on on-the-job training from the crew chiefs.
"It's pretty much like you're a three level coming in, and you work your way up to be signed off like a five or seven level would," Sergeant Wilson said.
Ensuring every member on the team is properly trained is vital because the maintainers are tasked with another responsibility that involves homeland defense. If Air Force commanders need the F-16s back in the fighting inventory, the maintainers must quickly return them to full fighting capability, Sergeant Kearns said.
"We have a 72-hour timescale to return these aircraft to full combat capability, which has been tested," he said. "We did it in about 40 hours, minus the paint scheme. So these aircraft could definitely be ready if, God forbid, that ever happens."
But while the Thunderbird maintainers are tasked with unique responsibilities, they still view their mission as being the same as at an Air Force base.
"The basic principles of maintenance are the same," said Maj. David Lemery, the Thunderbirds maintenance officer. The only difference is we have the most motivated Airmen in the Air Force doing the work.
"They take great pride in knowing no air show has ever been canceled due to maintenance difficulties in the 57-year history of the Thunderbirds," he added. "They'll work non-stop, doing whatever it takes to get the jets ready for an air show."
The Thunderbird team includes 120 maintenance and support members from nearly 30 career fields, according to their official website.
Comments
11/12/2010 6:07:03 AM ET While I agree the team is a great recruiting tool and they represent the AF in general, it doesn't showcase the AF much beyond the demo itself, just like the commercials we have seen for years. Certainly our mission is airpower but there is so much that everyone does not see. Also, I used to work in logistics and I can tell you for a fact that the Thunderbirds have priority over active combat aircraft for broken parts.
JS, FL
11/9/2010 4:56:29 PM ET Having been stationed at Nellis AFB and known members of the Thunderbirds, they do NOT get everything handed to them on a silver platter. Their hangar and airplanes are some of the oldest in the Air Force. The only reason their equipment and building look as good as they do is because the hard work and pride of the team. Not only does the team recruit, their performances at air shows demonstrate to the public the professionalism and skills of every member of OUR Air Force.
MSgt Retired, Wyoming
11/9/2010 8:19:41 AM ET Guy, Taxpayer Mark and An American Airman - y'all just don't get it nor understand. Jim H nails it on the head. Quit your crying about the funding for these amazing recruiting tools and examine your OWN unit and see where the shortfalls in equipment, supply, etc., are. Everything has its pot of money to work from and I guarantee that the Thunderbirds and Tops in Blue HAVE been cut drastically over the years.
SMSgt Proud to Serve, Robins AFB GA
11/9/2010 8:18:48 AM ET I have mixed feelings about the Thunderbirds. Sure they are a great recruiting tool and we do need to recruit, which I'm sure the Thunderbirds to help in some way. My issue is that the budget these guys get is probably limitless if it really needed to be. I've spent 10 years working as an electronics tech for the Air Force on ATCALS equipment and I can, without exageration, say that not a year has gone by where we aren't broke and doing questionable things to keep the mission running. I find it pathetic that air traffic control equipment maintainers literally Air Force-wide are constantly begging to get money to fix equipment while these guys are bleeding cash for aerial parades. Oh well...at least on a positive note we have money for new furniture again...
John, Deep in the heart of Texas
11/8/2010 8:00:05 PM ET Saw the T-birds at an airshow a few weeks back - very disappointing. 45 minutes from taxi to takeoff They didn't live up to the hype. There was a sole F-16 demo earlier in the day - it rocked. That was a huge crowed pleaser and a much better recruiting tool in today's times. Time to perch T-Birds...our country needs more return on investment...
AN AMERICAN AIRMAN, Houston TX
11/8/2010 2:15:07 PM ET Grew up watching the T-birds. Loved them, but the single F-16 demo was just as effective imho. What was the talk at this year's show? The F-22. In the age of defense cuts and layoffs, I can see how cutting back on the T-birds may be an option. Either way they put on a great show.
NM, Texas
11/8/2010 2:05:10 PM ET The Thunderbirds are a great recruiting tool just like the Blue Angels or Golden Knights. Our citizens attend air shows to see these attractions and affirm their belief in our military. We're an all-volunteer force and we must recruit. If your Airmen are deploying without proper uniforms, I might question immediate officer or NCO leadership at your base, not the Air Force's recruiting efforts.
Jim H retired colonel, Omaha
11/8/2010 1:40:08 PM ET I would have to agree that the money could be better spend on mission-related programs. There probably is not a single thing in the Thunderbirds show that pilots actually do in real world combat scenarios, so it's not a very accurate way at portraying the AF mission. Don't even get me started on Tops In Blue. Can't believe we pay people to sing and dance on the tax payers dime.
Mark, USA
11/8/2010 12:12:16 PM ET Guy, RAFL - While you're certainly entitled to your opinion, it's woefully obvious that you don't understand that the Thunderbirds are vital to the Air Force mission. By traveling to cities, large and small, the team is able to tell the Air Force story to the American people and to the men and women who will raise their right hands to defend the nation. In addition, the Thunderbirds communicate deterrence to our adversaries as the team demonstrates that the American airpower is a force to be reckoned with. As a former F-16 avionics maintainer, I'm proud of the great work the Thunderbirds accomplish each day. In fact, the team gave 73 performances this year alone. P.S. Thanks to the T-Birds for what you guys and gals do everyday.
TSgt, Germany
11/8/2010 11:28:54 AM ET This could be biggest waste of taxpayers' money that the Air Force participates in. Meanwhile, I cannot get lights or high-sec locks replaced and my airmen don't have proper uniform items for their upcoming deployment.
Taxpayer, Texas
11/8/2010 11:14:12 AM ET When a regular line unit flies in front of 200,000 people in a weekend then they will get rid of the Thunderbirds. When a 16 year-old sees the red, white and blue planes and says I want to be a part of that Air Force, when those jets bring a tear to a veteran's eyes, you can't beat that. Also the aircraft the Thunderbirds use are the oldest in the fleet. They have already been used and abused by the line units. I don't expect to change any minds but all of these things you mention, Thunderbirds, Tops In Blue, bands etc., are invaluable recruiting tools for the next generation of fighting airmen.
RKPannell, Oklahoma
11/8/2010 10:49:13 AM ET Guy, those ARE regular F-16s.
PB, US
11/8/2010 7:04:19 AM ET In a time when fighter aircraft Mx in the real Air Force is hurting, you would think brass would cancel this dog and pony show.. Seriously, look at the money that goes into these aircraft. What's the difference if you use a regular F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22? We already have those type demo teams. Do we really need the Thunderbirds? Kind of like Tops in Blue. Waste of money and assests...
