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Show Hilltop HILLTOP TIMES TIMES August 21, 2014 3 First pipeline F-35 crew chiefs graduate BY GEORGE WOODWARD, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs E GLIN AFB, Fla. — Nine Airmen became the first Air Force recruits to graduate initial skills technical training as F-35 Lightning II crew chiefs after completing Mission-Ready Airmen training here Aug. 7. "The opportunity to be the first of something so important means a lot. I know many people are looking at us to be the best it's a big honor," said Airman 1st Class Saovada Pum. "To be among the first to earn my 3-Level as an F-35 Crew Chief is a feeling of responsibility and also a significant measure of pride," said Airman 1st Class Gideon R. Burris. "It's special because the F-35 is the most technologically advanced aircraft in the air." For both students, graduation was the culmination of months of training within the 82nd Training Wing that spanned two bases and three squadrons. After completing Basic Military Training, they headed to Sheppard AFB, Texas for aircraft fundamentals with the 362nd 'Raining Squadron. Then it was on to Eglin AFB, first for F-35-specific training with the 359th "'ruining Squadron followed by Mission-Ready Airmen training with Detachment 19, 372nd Training Squadron, which tested their ability to apply their training in an operational environment. As with its fifth-generation cousin the F-22, maintenance training for the F-35 is as ad- vanced as the aircraft itself. "The majority of my F-15 training took place in a classroom where most of the handson training was performed on props, models or older block versions of aircraft," said instructor Staff Sgt. Trevor L. Taylor. "These Airmen get to work on the current aircraft itself or simulators that closely mirror operational aircraft." Fellow instructor Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Evans agreed. "It's very different! The training I received was all on paper in black and white. The training these Airmen are getting is all computer-based. It's also modular and simplified so that a completely inexperienced Airman can quickly learn and perform complex maintenance tasks." The digital, modular nature of training is a natural consequence of the technology inherent in the aircraft, according to instructor Staff Sgt. Ralph S. Davis. "The technology integrated into the F-35 makes the aircraft easier to maintain. We interface directly with the aircraft by computer, and the diagnostic capabilities inherent in every system let us know if a component is going bad before it handicaps the mission. This allows a proactive approach to maintenance that will minimize down time" said Davis. According to Taylor, Burris and his fellow graduates were well prepared for the challenge of learning how to maintain the high-tech fighter. "One of the great things about the F-35 training program is that it's suited Courtesy photo Students provide last-minute checks during the initial skills technical training as F-35 Lightning II crew chiefs. Nine Airmen graduated after completing Mission-Ready Airmen training at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. on Aug. 7. perfectly for this generation of Airmen. They're very proficient with computer technology, which helps them quickly grasp F-35 concepts and systems," he said. "It's gratifying to be part of something historic," agreed Evans, "but also a little surreal. It means a new age of Air Force maintainers, equipped with new age training, working on new age equipment." Graduating the first crew chief class is yet another major milestone achieved for the F-35 program as a whole, said Detachment Commander U.S. Marine Corps Captain Ryan Martin. "Graduating the first 'pipeline' crew chief class is important for the entire F-35 campus at Eglin. It demonstrates that we've developed the training system and curriculum needed to take an Airman from Basic Military Training graduate to missionready F-35 technician. Not only can we develop the aircraft itself and the pilots who will fly it, but also the maintainers who will keep it ready to fly, fight and win." For Taylor, it's another step on the road to ensuring air dominance well into the future. "Once the F-35 program has matured and the full capabilities of the aircraft are realized, the marriage between aircraft, pilot, and maintainer will be a lethal combination for many decades to come." 15 seconds: A rude awakening over me. After surprising Nicole, we helped her pack her things and loaded them into the truck. We hit the road around midnight. We talked and laughed most of the way home, but it was late. Before too long, my sister had fallen asleep in the back and Nicole had laid her head on my shoulder and dozed off as well. After 30 minutes of driving without someone to keep me company, the fatigue of 16 hours of work and more than seven hours spent on the road started to settle in. With the heat blowing full blast to keep the frigid weather at bay, no music and no one to talk to, my eyes started to grow heavy and my concentration slowly deteriorated. My head started to bob and my eyes shut as we started to cross STAFF SGT. JAMAL D. SUTTER/U.S. Air Force Airmen and their families hit the road every summer to travel and enjoy a little relaxation. When making travel arrangements that involve driving long distances, be sure to get enough rest the night before and take breaks as needed. BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS CLIFFTON DOLEZAL, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs L ITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. — Gutwrenching screams, the shattering of glass, and the unforgettable sounds of metal twisting and bending all around me as my truck rolls over and over again. I thought those were going to be my last memories. Apr. 12, 2012 started out like any other Thursday for me. I woke up early enough to take a quick shower and grab some breakfast before heading out the door for work. I was working a double that day, so I made sure to grab a coffee. It was a 45-minute drive to work, which gave me time to finish my cup a joe and relax before I spent the rest of the day on my feet. Halfway through my shift, I received a call from my girlfriend, who was elated to find out that her classes on Friday had been canceled, and she would have a three-day weekend. Any other time I would have told her I was on my way and then instantly jump into my vehicle and make the three-and-a-half-hour trek to Ball State University to bring her home. Instead, I decided to tell her I had to work, and that I wouldn't be able to make it until Friday night. I was lying. I wanted to surprise her. After finishing up my shift, I made the 45-minute drive back to my house and got myself ready to make the long drive to Muncie, Indiana. I asked my sister if she'd like to join me to surprise Nicole and we hopped into the truck and were on our way. I remember not feeling as tired as I had thought I was going to be, especially after working a 16-hour shift. In hindsight, I'm sure I was just too eager to surprise Nicole and unable to perceive the actual feelings of drowsiness and lethargy that were slowly creeping See AWAKENING I Page 8 GUN SHOW/ BUY, SELL, TRADE GUNS, KNIVES, OUTDOOR GEAR BOOT IDEIggN wg11111:1 A Semi Truckload of Ammo (No Limit) Sat. 9am to 5 pm Sun. 9am to 4 pm Pam Roo TaD[D0 e in the gua; [Dm 04 .RR IIDEC) CONCEALED WEAPON 1;3112:0U CLASS $4900 Includes ticket to show, fingerprints and ID paperwork rifle Lowest Ammo Prices in Show History! Register Online Now Tickets on sale @8:00 am Sat. & Sun. Aug. SOUTH TOWN EXPO CENTER 9575 S State, Sandy, UT BUY TICKETS ONLINE, AVOID THE LINE ••• 23rd & 24th • NOW. You've changed. So have we. 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