Eight years of history honored during CRF deactivation

by Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/14/2015 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C.  -- The 4th Component Maintenance Squadron Sensors Centralized Repair Facility was deactivated during a special ceremony here, May 8.

As one of only three CRFs in the Air Force that repaired Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared System for Night - and later "Sniper" - pods, the shop provided vital support for fighter jets around the world throughout its tenure at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

The CRF was deactivated as one of the final steps in the transition to have repairs formerly accomplished by CRFs like the one on base, and at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, and Hill AFB, Utah, turned over to Robins AFB, Georgia.

"Our work affected a lot of bases and several different countries," Tech. Sgt. Douglas Miller, 4th CMS sensors section chief, said when referring to the CRF's coordination with bases in the United States, Europe and Asia, in addition to its dedication to the 4th Fighter Wing's fleet of F-15E Strike Eagle pods.

During the deactivation ceremony, Senior Master Sgt. Josephine Krieger, 4th CMS avionics flight chief, described their work.

"Throughout its lifespan, the CRF has seen the passage of more than 130 Airmen, and maintained an amazing 86.2 percent LANTIRN pod mission-capable rate," Krieger said.

Not only did they uphold an estimable mission-capable rate, LANTIRN pods from the CRF were also used in several operations, including Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NOBLE EAGLE.

"It gave you job satisfaction knowing you were repairing a system that would help lead aircrews to where they need to go, and drop munitions," said Senior Airman Patrick Johnson, 4th CMS avionics team leader, who's spent nearly six years with the CRF.
For the nearly 50 people most recently assigned to the CRF, the future holds several possibilities, including new bases, new assignments, and even new career fields.

Miller, whose next position will involve transitioning into the avionics intermediate section, said the deactivation is all part of the evolution of the Air Force.

"It's bittersweet, but it will be good to move on to something different," Miller said. "I'm looking forward to learning something new and starting over."