APACHE mechanics keep longbows flying

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- U.S. Army 1st Lt. Caleb Dunham, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion platoon leader, completes computer-based training to stay current on aircraft countermeasure systems, Jan. 16. The annual training gives pilots information on aircraft survivability and provides procedures on how to react when engaged by hostiles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson) (Released)

APACHE mechanics keep longbows flying

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thomas Bottini, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion AH 64D Apache Longbow pilot, performs operations checks on night-vision goggles, Jan. 16. Night vision goggles aid pilots with nighttime flying and navigation by intensifying ambient light. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson) (Released)

APACHE mechanics keep longbows flying

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo.-- U.S. Army Specialist Jonathan Reed, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion AH 64D Apache Longbow crew chief, inspects the tightness of a bolt on the rotor blade of on an AH 64D Apache Longbow, Jan. 16. Reed’s job requires constant vigilance and attention to detail because one loose bolt can possibly cause an Apache to crash, and therefore, be the difference between life and death for pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson) (Released)

APACHE mechanics keep longbows flying

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- U.S. Army Specialist Jonathan Reed, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion AH 64D Apache Longbow crew chief, inspects a rotor blade of on an AH 64D Apache Longbow, Jan. 16. Apache crew chiefs and maintainers have a daily checklist with hundreds of items on the airframe that must be continuously looked at. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson) (Released)

APACHE mechanics keep longbows flying

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Wood, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion crew chief, washes the Plexiglass window of an AH 64D Apache Longbow, Jan. 16. The acrylic design on the Apache windows helps keep pilots safe in case an emergency evacuation is necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson) (Released)

APACHE mechanics keep longbows flying

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- U.S. Army Armament technicians from the 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion perform daily inspections on an AH 64D Apache Longbow, Jan. 16. The Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tail wheel-type landing gear arrangement and a cockpit for a crew of two. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson) (Released)