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Show Elaine EHffirasz: July 6, 2000 Photos by Staff Sgt Bnan Bahret Above, Lt. Col. Larry Thompson, 4th Fighter Squadron commander, inspects an prior to launching it. Colonel Thompson shadowed a crew chief during launch and recovery of the aircraft. Right, Airman 1st Class Matt Rogge, 4th Fighter Squadron crew chief, tightens screws on an wing. F-- 16 F-1- 6s Maple Flag provides training opportunity f I By Staff Sgt. Brian Bahret 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs successful in what it needed to do. (Maple Flag) gave us an idea of how little we need to work with, he said. Before Hill Air Force Bases runway closed for repairs, people, aircraft and equipment from the 388th Fighter Wing and the 75th Air Base Wing deployed to Cold Lake, Canada, to participate in Maple Flag. During the exercise, airmen from Hill were exposed to the challenges of being deployed. As superintendent to the maintenance operations center, Master Sgt. John Weimers was responsible for the coordination of maintenance and flying schedules wqre of the U.S. air forces- - He said because of the lack phone lines and networking equipment available, communication between the agencies was challenging at first. Despite the limited resources, Sergeant Weimer said the MOC found ways to work through the limitations. MOC was For some airmen, it was their first deployment; they did not know what to expect. Only a month out of the First Term Airman Center -- - with less than two weeks of flightline experience. Airman Brice Hollender, 4th Fighter Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, found himself maintaining an aircraft at Maple Flag. didnt believe I would go on my first deployment so early. I do repairs for what I can, said Airman Hollender explaining that he only repairs what hes signed off on. If' I have a problem, Iget an expediter. Airman Hollender said he is thankful for his deployment to Maple Flag because it has allowed him to learn a lot. He said, during the deployment he developed a routine and now feels comfortable maintaining the aircraft. 1 C |