ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The 113th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is currently preparing for both the Operational Readiness Exercise and Inspection scheduled for April and October respectively. Each drill weekend is spent practicing and perfecting their operational skills as well as maintaining F-16 aircraft.
A major part of both the ORE and ORI is perfecting concurrent servicing operations. CSO is the process of simultaneously refueling and reconfiguring the weapons on an aircraft. This is a dangerous task on an F-16 but quick-turning the aircraft is crucial in a combat environment.
"Each UTA between now and October '08, our plan is to do a mini ORI," said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Russell, superintendent of the 113 AMS.
Air Combat Command inspectors will grade the aircraft maintenance squadron on how quickly and safely they can regenerate the aircraft. The step-by-step training process enables both aircrew and maintainers to conduct this operation in a safe and efficient manner.
"It takes around 20 minutes from the time they connect the hose to the time they disconnect," said Senior Master Sgt. Steve Ead, 113th Air Maintenance Squadron population shop element supervisor. "When everyone does their steps safely it ensures the exercise runs smoothly."
The skills and knowledge gained from this training not only allow the unit to excel in the ORI but also in real world contingency operations.
"We have to crawl before we walk; walk before we run; and we plan to peak in October 2008." said Chief Russell.