180FW maintainers simulate operations during chemical weapons attack

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Wilkes
  • 180th Fighter Wing
Swanton, Ohio --  To ensure that the 180FW is able to maintain optimal readiness and effectiveness even in adverse conditions, the maintenance group operated two full days in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture, or MOPP gear. The exercise, conducted May 19-20, 2018, simulated operating in a chemical weapons attack environment.

“We are working hard, sweating and just doing our jobs in the gear,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Bratton, superintendent of the 180FW Maintenance Operations Flight. “If we operate and train in this environment it will be second nature when we have to do it while deployed.”

While deployed, Airmen often operate in austere conditions and must be prepared to continue effectively operating during a chemical weapons attack, despite additional challenges.

“Navigating around the jet is a little trickier when wearing bulky gear,” said Senior Airman Shawna Bucher, crew chief with the 180FW Maintenance Group. “It is already dangerous and you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.”

MOPP gear is a multi-piece suit which consists of boots, gloves, pants, a coat and a gas mask.

Despite the challenge of operating with hot, bulky gear on, Airmen were able to maintain, launch and recover numerous aircraft over the 2 day period.

“I am very impressed with the performance of our Airmen,” said Bratton. “Despite the challenges they have faced things have gone very smoothly.”

The mission of the Air Force is to fly, fight and win.

“Part of flying, fighting and winning is operating in a pretty nasty environment,” said Bratton.

According to Master Sgt. Jim Raabe, assistant superintendent of aerospace ground equipment, the 180FW has received comments and inspections stating that we have some of the best maintained equipment in the fleet.

“Our Airmen are dedicated and perform very well,” said Bratton. “They work hard and are some of the best in the fleet.”

To recognize the hard work of the maintainers across the wing, the 180FW celebrates National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day each year on May 24, which honors aviation mechanics across the country.

In September 2007, the United States House of Representatives passed Resolution 444. This resolution honored Charles Edward Taylor as the father of aviation maintenance, and recognized the essential role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of civil and military aircraft.

“Maintenance is everything,” said Packard. “It is the most hands on, direct way of keeping the jets in the air.”
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