RED FLAG-Alaska: Ensuring aircrew equipment

by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/18/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The responsibility of handling, issuing and maintaining millions of dollars of equipment is one entrusted to Airmen who are tasked with the preservation of aircrew flight equipment that might one day save a life.

AFE specialists are relied on heavily by aircrew members throughout the Air Force, and that reliance is on display during Exercise RED FLAG-Alaska.

"All Yokota aircrew personnel depend on me to ensure their equipment is working at optimal performance," said Senior Airman Katie Powell, 374th Operations Support Squadron AFE specialist. "I spend hours testing and inspecting every piece of gear that walks out the door."

In addition to the individual aircrew equipment she deals with, Powell is also responsible for several pieces of gear on the aircraft.

"Before every flight, I inspect the oxygen and flotation equipment and emergency personnel parachutes," Powell said. "If there is a malfunction of any kind, that can waste vital flight time or cancel the flight altogether."

The hours aren't easy either. AFE specialists must arrive before the aircrew in order to inspect the gear before the sortie.

"Most of my days at RED FLAG-Alaska begin at 3 a.m.," Powell said. "Aircrew members have their crew briefs earlier than usual during exercises and require AFE assistance before they leave for the aircraft."

This being Powell's first RED FLAG exercise, she understands the importance of her role.

"This is an amazing opportunity for me as an AFE specialist," she said. "Given that I am the only AFE from Yokota, I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am definitely up for the challenge."