An F-15E Strike Eagle sits under cover during the morning fog Dec. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Regardless of the weather conditions, Airmen work outside around the clock. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)
Air Force propulsion technicians service an F-15E Strike Eagle engine at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 18, 2013. Proper and frequent maintenance is essential to sustaining aging Strike Eagle fleets, and 366th Maintenance Group Airmen work around the clock and in all elements to ensure Mountain Home’s warbirds are ready to fly at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Airmen from the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron replace an F-15E Strike Eagle engine Dec. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The foggy conditions made work a bit more difficult on the flight line however, work went ahead as scheduled. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)
Air Force propulsion technicians inspect an F-15E Strike Eagle engine compartment, and service the engine at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 18, 2013. Proper and frequent maintenance is essential to sustaining aging Strike Eagle fleets, and 366th Maintenance Group Airmen work around the clock and in all elements to ensure Mountain Home’s warbirds are ready to fly at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Air Force Senior Airman Blake Pullen, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, operates a ‘boom’ as he prepares to de-ice an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 18, 2013. Senior Airman Brian Radtka and Staff Sgt. Charles Armstrong assisted in the de-icing operations, which are essential to flight operations during winter months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Air Force Senior Airman Blake Pullen, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, operates a ‘boom’ as he de-ices an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 18, 2013. Like all aircraft, the Strike Eagle was designed with a very specific shape and size, to provide proper lift during flight, de-icing ensures safe and efficient flight operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Airmen from the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron de-ice an F-15E Strike Eagle Dec. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Winter weather conditions caused Airmen to clear jets of ice and snow before launch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)
Airmen from the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron de-ice an F-15E Strike Eagle Dec. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. In order for the aircraft to safely fly, all ice must be removed from key areas on the jets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)
Airmen from the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron de-ice an F-15E Strike Eagle Dec. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Freezing temperatures made Airmen add a few steps into their routine in an effort to get the jets in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)
Air Force Senior Airman Blake Pullen, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, operates a ‘boom’ as he de-ices an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 18, 2013. Preventing a build-up of snow and ice on the wings and tail is crucial for safe takeoff. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Air Force Senior Airman Brian Radtka, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, observes as Senior Airman Blake Pullen de-ices an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 18, 2013. Without crew chiefs and de-icing operations, the fleet could literally be grounded during frigid Idaho winter months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Air Force Senior Airman Brian Radtka, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, observes as Senior Airman Blake Pullen de-ices an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Dec. 18, 2013. Preventing a build-up of snow and ice on the wings and tail is crucial for safe takeoff, and without crew chiefs and de-icing, the Mountain Home AFB fleet could literally be grounded during frigid Idaho winter months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Blake Pullen, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, smiles for a photo Dec. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The foggy and cold conditions forced Airmen to de-ice aircraft on the flight line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)
The 391st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hangar is barely visable through the fog Dec. 18, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Airmen have worked in extremely foggy conditions every morning this week in order to get the aircraft flying. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton/Released)