AFSOUTH maintainers return from MTT in Belize

by Tech. Sgt. Heather Redman
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

7/30/2014 - LADYVILLE, Belize  -- Ten Belize Defence Force Air Wing maintainers were given the tools to increase their aircraft fleets capability, thanks to the help of two Air Forces Southern Airmen.

Master Sgts. Noel Mendoza and Jeremy Jacobs, aircraft managers assigned to12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), recently returned from a mobile training team event with the Belize Defence Force Air Wing.

"By teaching them the basics of aircraft maintenance management we are helping them build their own program so that they can become self-sufficient and handle their own equipment in-house," Mendoza said.

While in Belize, Mendoza and Jacobs helped strengthen the partner nation's air and maritime capabilities by teaching 10 maintainers how to establish their own maintenance programs. The MTT was requested by the Government of Belize and the Security Cooperation Office to help the Belize Defence Force Air Wing establish its own maintenance management programs.

The goal of the MTT was to help the Air Wing maintainers understand the importance of maintenance operations. "Maintenance operations are what keeps the aircraft flying safely and efficiently," Jacobs said.

The training included guidance on establishing an aircraft maintenance training program, quality assurance, the concept of aircraft weight and balance, as well as the importance of using standardized forms and documentation in maintenance practices.

While most of the aircraft fundamentals were taught in a classroom setting, the maintainers were fortunate enough to have hands-on opportunities as well.

"We were in luck when we arrived," Jacobs said. "Their fleet was going through a major maintenance inspection so we were able to oversee their inspection processes and practices."

Because of the relationship between AFSOUTH and the Belize Defence Force as well as the expertise of Jacobs and Mendoza, maintenance professionals from the Belize Defence Force Air Wing are now capable of functioning as maintenance supervisors and are prepared to establish their own maintenance programs.