Spouses day

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Master Sgt. Jason J. Roberts, 391st Aerospace Ground Equipment team leader, jokes with senior leadership spouses while explaining the unique capabilities of the MHU-83 Jammer here May 16. The spouses were introduced to two different types of Jammers during the presentation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton)

Spouses day

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Participants of the 366th Maintenance Group’s wing senior leadership spouses day pose with 366th MXG members, Republic of Singapore Air Force maintainers, as well as Col. James McClellan, in front of a RSAF F-15SG aircraft here May 16. The spouses were given a tour of the MXG facilities and a rare opportunity to walk the flightline during aircraft launches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton)

Spouses day

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Master Sgt. Robert P. Maack, 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions inspector, gives Lisa McClellan an opportunity to hold the tail end of a Ground Busting Unit-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition, in order to get an idea of how much that particular piece of the munition weighs. The spouses of senior wing staff were given a demonstration of how the munitions were assembled and the capabilities of the munitions during a tour May 16. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton)

Spouses day

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Tech. Sgt. Tracy A. Anaya, an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman with the 366th Maintenance Group Test Cell, explains the unique characteristics and capabilities of an F100-220 jet engine to senior wing staff spouses here May 16. The spouses were given the thrilling opportunity of witnessing a live test of the engine during their tour. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton)

Spouses day

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Master Sgt. Robert P. Maack, 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions inspector, demonstrates munition assembly while Staff Sgt. Erik G. Solosabal, 366th EMS, explains the detailed instructions with which Airmen of the 366th EMS must follow in order to put together a Ground Busting Unit-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition here May 16. Wing senior leadership spouses were given the rare opportunity of witnessing different types of munitions being assembled. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton)

Maintenance group demonstrates force support to spouses

Published May 19, 2011
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group hosted a group of the wing's senior leadership spouses to show them the countless ways personnel of the 366th MXG contribute to force support here.

The spouses were given a guided tour which included watching MXG Airmen construct guided bomb units, viewing a jet engine test run, touring the Metals Tech and Non-Destructive Inspection areas, and watching the Republic of Singapore launch eight fighter jets while standing on the flight line.

"Our intention is to introduce the senior leadership spouses to what the MXG does on a day-to-day basis in order to support the wing," explained 2nd Lt. Randall J. Kindle, 366th MXG Fabrication Flight commander.

According to personnel of the MXG, for every one hour of flight time there are approximately a hundred total man hours of preparation from all aspects of the group. There are numerous procedures and steps as well as checks and re-checks that must be completed before the pilot can set foot into the cockpit.

"The quality assurance and inspection portion was my favorite part of today's activities," stated James Kirkland. "I enjoyed everything so much, and didn't realize the substantial scope of the MXG."

The spouses attended a few briefings throughout the day and were given maintenance coveralls, ear and eye protection and a reflective belt to wear.
"It was such a fantastic and informative learning experience," said JoAnn Carpenter. "I really enjoyed watching the engine start up in the hush house. Thanks to everyone in the MXG for a very special day"

Members of the 366th Component Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight gave the spouses a tremendous thrill during an F100-220 jet engine test run. Many spouses were torn between worry and awe while watching Senior Airman Brandon L. Audrus check the engine for fuel leaks, cracks and other safety concerns, while the engine was running.

"Today was a very eye-opening experience," said Alena Fetters. "Watching the engine ignite inside the hush house was absolutely thrilling to me, but what stands out most in my mind is the enormous amount of work it takes to get one single fighter in the air. There are so many unsung heroes contributing everyday toward such a spectacular outcome."

At the end of the day, the spouses went home with memories to enjoy for the rest of their lives.

"Today's events went extremely well," said 2nd Lt. Tyler B. Beal, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron Accessories Flight commander. "The finale of watching the aircraft launches really brought the entire day together. It truly showed the spouses why all the preparations and inspections are so crucial to a single flight. They now realize one tiny mistake could potentially cause a catastrophe, and that's why each MXG team member's force support contributions are so important."