AMXS plays major role in Wolf Pack mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Angela Ruiz
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, republic of korea --  Accomplishing Kunsan Air Base's mission during the peninsula-wide Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 08-04 is dependent on the work of all the Wolf Pack's Airmen, Soldier and civilian members.

One group of men and women directly responsible for getting the Wing's jets in the air are the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft generation experts. 

According to Chief Master Sgt. Micky Wall, 8th AMXS maintenance superintendent, aircraft generation consists of the many tasks it takes to prepare an aircraft to fly--for example refueling, weapons loading, routine maintenance, and then launching. 

For the duration of the exercise, the Airmen  of 8th AMXS are generating aircraft day and night. 

"We're getting all the Jets prepped and ready to go for the exercise," Said Avionics Technician, Staff Sergeant Juan Alomar, at the strat of the week-long scenario. "We're making sure all the scheduled maintenance is completed, and we're taking care of all the jet's discrepancies which would hinder the pilot from completing his mission." 

The squadron's Airmen are expecting to work work long hours during the Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 08-04. Mission Orientated Protective Posture gear adding approximately ten pounds to each person's body weight, Force Protection Condition level increases, and moving in and out of differing alarm conditions all combine to affect the amount of time they have to generate aircraft. 

"Wearing MOPP gear slows things down a bit moving around isn't easy but you just have to press on in order to get the jets in the air and get the mission accomplished," said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew St. Laurent, 8th AMXS.

The 8th AMXS Airmen realize they have a large role in the PENORE. They will be tested on their ability to deliver, configure, service, and launch aircraft in a timely manner while adapting to exercise injects said Chief Wall. 

"The AMXS Airmen are critical to taking the fight North," he said, "for it is they who prepare and generate the 'tip of the spear,' the F-16 fleet for combat."

"We're AMXS we generate Jets!" added Sergeant St. Laurent.