KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Senior Airman Johnathon Lavender, 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals an F-16 Fighting Falcon on the flightline here April 19. Maintenance Airmen are the backbone of the 8th Fighter Wing's mission, keeping the aircraft in the fight. "The dedication of our maintenance Airmen, keeping their aircraft flying, is what enables us to claim air superiority everywhere we go," said Col. Preston Thompson, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander and command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours. The 8th Fighter Wing is currently undergoing an operational readiness inspection to test its ability to conduct its wartime mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Barry Loo.)