HILLTOP TIMES flMES Octobers 2007 F-22 corrosion found, fixed BY MITCH SHAW Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau mishaw@standard.net H DARRELL RECTOR/Hilltop Times correspondent Technician Lynn Cruise assists Capt. Genieve David with her cat, Smokey, at the Hill Air Force Base Veterinary Clinic. Animal-friendly tenant on base BY PARR ELL RECTOR day on clinic days," said Cindy Orvedahl, who is the office or those stationed at Hill manager. Ail- Force Base with a cat or "Our primary dog that's a "member of the mission here is to family," the Hill Air Force Base Veterinary Clinic is available to support the military provide care. working dogs," said Orvedahl. "With the Captain Jonathan Shearer is the animals, we want to officer in change of the clinic in his first assignment since he graduated educate their owners from the University of Minnesota. and keep them in good health. We Run by the Army as a tenant don't see too much organization on base, it is a complete clinic with examination rooms and abuse of animals at an area where minor surgery can be Paula Fallen waits with her dog at the clinic. the clinic," she said. performed. Exotic pets aren't often brought to the clinic. "We did responsible for Dugway, Camp "Surgery is confined mainly to Williams and Fort Douglas clinics. have some kids that brought in their dogs that are working for the Air Force. We do refer pets that need pet spider and ask us why-it didn't -** The day-this correspondent long-term care or surgery to the visited, Captain Genieve David had move. Easy answer, it had died. private sector," said Shearer. her cat vaccinated prior to PCS. That's about the most exciting thing Certain areas require that pets be Two to three days a week there we have seen," she said. inoculated prior to arrival. are clinics for pet owners where The clinic is open Mondaysthey can bring in their pet for There are more than 8,000 clients Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 to needed shots and for the normal registered with the clinic at the 4 p.m. On Fridays it is open from 8 concerns of anxious owners. The base. This includes the pets of a.m. to noon. It's closed holidays and clinics are scheduled to match with retirees as well. weekends. For more information Shearer's assignments. He is also "We see between 20 to 30 pets a call 777-2611. Hilltop Times Correspondent F 1.7-million-acre range, enabling a Navy SEAL training site. Hefti was one of three airmen selectFrom page 1 ed for the Secretary of Defense's "Why We Serve" tour and conducted eight TV and radio interviews and heralded the was awarded the Army Commendation Air Force mission in 13 live events. He Medal. Sergeant Hefti was chosen for also narrated the Pentagon Charmers a month-long mission with the Secret "9/11 Reflections" video. Service to protect the president and "You symbolize our proud tradition," his family, preserving critical national McNabb said. "You symbolize our tradisecurity. He led 20 other explosive tion of honor and legacy and valor. You ordnance disposal technicians to clear are our nation's guardian of freedom 700 pieces of unexploded ordnance on a and justice. You are the sword and AWARD shield. You are its sentry and avenger. And you are a wingman, a warrior, and a leader. It has been great to be with . you. Congratulations to all of you." The 12 airmen are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon and will wear the bronze service star device on the ribbon. The winners also will wear the Outstanding Airman Badge for one year from the date of the formal presentation. They also will serve as members of the AFAs enlisted advisory council for the next year. ILL AIR FORCE BASE — Maintenance crews at Hill Air Force Base have been working to remove corrosion that was recently found in a fleet of F-22 Raptors. According to Air Force officials, corrosion was first discovered on the fighter jet in May of 2005. The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft which utilizes stealth technology. The first production F-22 was delivered to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on Jan. 14,2003. Although the F-22 is relatively new and utilizes the most advanced technology the Air Force has to offer, officials say even the Raptor is not immune to corrosion. "Fifth-generation does not refer to five generations of F-22 but rather to fighters of different eras and design over the course of fighter jet history," said Guy Phillips, F22 Maintenance Squadron Director for the 309th Maintenance Wing. "The Raptor has technologies that separate it from the conventional fighter jet, but all fighters are subject to corrosion regardless of generation." Officials say a simple sanding process is used to remove corrosion from the jets, and several aircraft panels will be changed from aluminum to titanium, which has a much better resistance to corrosion. "If pitting occurs, which is like cavities on a tooth, the area is ground out and filled with a hard bonding material," Phillips said. "In both cases the parts are then coated with material to improve corrosion protection." Processes have been changed on the assembly line so new aircraft being produced have improved corrosion protection. According to Phillips, if corrosion goes undetected, over time it could cause structural damage to the aircraft. "In the case of the F-22 Raptor, the constant inspections the aircraft undergo identify corrosion long before there are any safety implications," he said. "These routine inspections allowed us to catch this corrosion." - • The Raptor's combined use of sensor capability, integrated avionics, situational awareness and weaponry provides pilots with a first-kill opportunity against threats in the air or on the ground. F-22 pilots use a sophisticated sensor to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected. Air Force officials say the F-22A cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter. "The F-22 provides the Air Force with an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness," said Capt. Genieve David, 75th Air Base Wing. "Team Hill is proud to be a part of such a pristine weapons system." In addition to the corrosion-removal process, Hill also performs other structural modifications to the F-22 fighter fleet, including night air-to-air refueling enhancements. Officials say the corrosion on the Raptors is confined to one relatively small area of the aircraft. Security issues prevent Hijl from releasing the exact areas of the corrosion, how many aircraft were affected and the cost of the procedures. *7 Stop by for a fast lunch! Dine in - Take Out 801-771-4500 1320 E Hwy 193 & Church St. Layton, Ut 84040 Cannot be used with any other offer Try our slice combo!! • 1 slice JjpStr** Q House Salad Q 20 oz. Soft Drink • slice/lunch only Created Comfort Menu Friendly, Relaxed Atmosphere Shuffleboard, TV's Seven Days a Week, Weekend Brunch North of Mall, Across from Hilton in Layton 728-9111 \n 3fish Pub-Style family Restaurant O O 0 o o