JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
In 2021, the 53rd Maintenance Squadron was stood up as a Total Force Integration unit to support a pilot absorption program within the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, that allows active duty pilots to gain more experience at the ANG unit before going to an active duty location. This additional flight training requires more maintenance for the aircraft, so the active duty Airmen from the 53rd MXS work alongside the ANG Airmen to support the mission.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Randy Figueroa, a 53rd MXS crew chief, works with the ANG Airmen and active duty pilots daily to launch and maintain the F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the 121st Fighter Squadron, 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
“You have people that have been here for way longer, let's say ten, even 20 years,” said Figueroa. “And, you know, they have a lot of knowledge. You get to pick their brains, and I feel like I get lots of experience and can learn a lot from their craft.”
While most active duty maintainers stay at one base for an average of three or four years, it is common for ANG Airmen to stay at their home stations for their entire career. The active duty Airmen typically acclimate to many different work environments, and frequent personnel transitions can make it difficult to establish and maintain cohesion within a unit. The ANG Airmen at Andrews provide continuity and depth of experience that can create a smoother acclimation period.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cruz Belardo, the 53rd MXS acting senior enlisted leader, was among the first active duty maintainers to integrate with the 113th WG.
“The biggest challenge we faced was the cultural differences,” said Belardo. “It was really just a matter of two cultures trying to figure out how to adapt to each other and get the best of both worlds.”
The Air Force projects air power globally through innovation and readiness. By integrating with the Airmen of the 113th WG and using their combined experience and knowledge, the 53rd MXS can fix jets faster and keep the 121st FS ready to stay in the fight.