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News Stories

A service member demonstrates how to use a flight gas mask.

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250721-F-AF022-5452

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Harris, 316th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, tests the joint service aircrew mask at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Airmen assigned to the aircrew flight equipment section prepare different configurations of aircrew equipment for the different types of flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

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250721-F-AF022-5421

Aircrew chemical warfare training equipment sits on a table to be put in bags for local mission certification training at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. The training bags are used in the aircrew’s regular contingency training that ensures constant readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

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250721-F-AF022-5465

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Harris, 316th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, replaces the batteries in a pilot’s helmet at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Aircrew flight equipment technicians inspect, maintain and build all life-saving aircrew gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

Service member receives a flight helmet.

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250721-F-AF022-5467

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Harris, 316th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, hands 1st Lt. Brock Pennington, 1st Helicopter Squadron pilot, a repaired helmet at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Aircrew flight equipment technicians inspect, maintain and build all life-saving aircrew gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

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250721-F-AF022-5470

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Harris, 316th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, searches for a supply part at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Aircrew flight equipment technicians inspect, maintain and build all life-saving aircrew gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

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250721-F-AF022-5459

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nathan Firestone, 1st Helicopter Squadron special mission aviator, signs out gear before a training flight at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Aircrew personnel conduct regular contingency training operations to ensure readiness in the face of any situation, including chemical warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

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250721-F-AF022-5430

A U.S. Air Force Airman fills a bag with batteries while building a local mission certification training bag at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Aircrew flight equipment Airmen are responsible for preparing aircrew equipment for every type of flight, including chemical contingency training flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

A service member inspects a flying helmet.

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250721-F-AF022-5443

U.S. Air Force Airman Shania Ferris, 316th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, inspects a flight helmet at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Aircrew flight equipment Airmen ensure the safety and readiness of all aircrew equipment by performing routine inspections and maintenance on gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

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250721-F-AF022-5474

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Harris, 316th Operational Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, explains the parts of a flight helmet at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. AFE technicians inspect, maintain and build all life-saving aircrew gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Redin)

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 316th Operational Support Squadron and 1st Helicopter Squadron conduct aircrew chemical warfare contingency training at Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 21, 2025. Through detailed inspections, maintenance, and tailored assembly of life-support equipment, aircrew flight equipment technicians ensure crews are equipped for any mission scenario. This readiness training sustains the squadron’s operational edge and reinforces the force’s commitment to competence, survivability, and mission execution in contested environments.

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Feature

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jovan Berry, poses for a portrait.

How a Lifetime of Training Saved a Life

“You better not die; the kids would be so mad.” It’s a surreal scene. The smell of a small, old bathroom, the endless noise of security forces over the radio. A man, blue in the face, face down on the floor in a dire medical situation. And a...

Commentary

Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla gives remarks during the 5th HS activation ceremony.

Joint Base Andrews

Excellence is not optional

Thank you all for being here today to witness this historic moment. Today is about much more than an assumption of command. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Air Force rotary-wing history.And to the Airmen of the Fifth Helicopter...