Dedicated unit keeps "Warthog" prepared to fight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The A-10C Thunderbolt II, known for its capabilities in combat areas, would not be able to provide the essential close air support to our deployed forces if it couldn't get off the ground.

The 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron maintenance flight A-10 section, comprising nearly 110 Airmen, works around the clock to make this proper maintenance possible.

After every 500 flight hours, each A-10 is brought into the phase doc hangar to be taken apart and then reassembled.

"This regular maintenance is very important because it allows us to check the structural integrity of the aircraft," said 2nd Lt. Emilio Rodriguez, 23rd EMS maintenance flight A-10 section assistant officer in-charge. "Because of the disassembled state, the aircraft is obviously much more open and accessible, and our Airmen are able to have eyes on any part that may need to be repaired or replaced."

Before the beginning of each phase, the section meets with dock chiefs and both the 74th and 75th Aircraft Maintenance Units to figure out just what needs to be worked on.

Once the Airmen begin work on an aircraft, they have between nine and 11 days to complete the entire phase process, depending which phase it is on.

"Phase one is the typical thorough inspection and phase two is even more in-depth," said Master Sgt. Kelvin Moody, 23rd EMS maintenance flight A-10 section NCO in-charge. "Every 400 hours, each aircraft goes through one of these two phases, alternating each time. The goal is to have everything depanelled by the end of day two so that on day three we can begin fixing anything that needs it."

When the aircraft needs to be repaired, the section coordinates with various on-base agencies, including the Air Force Repair Enhancement Program and multiple backshops from both the 23rd EMS and 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron.

During the nine- to 11-day period, specialists from a variety of career fields converge to make sure that weapons systems, avionics and hydraulics, among many other aspects, are all properly functioning.

Once all issues are fixed, operations checks are begun to ensure that the aircraft is once again ready to take flight.

"Operations checks include everything from just inspecting the exterior of the aircraft to ensuring there are no foreign objects," said Sergeant Moody. "Finally, at the end of the entire phase process, the pilots get in and run through all the systems."

The length of time it can take a plane to reach the 500-hour mark varies on flying schedules and maintenance issues. These issues are quickly addressed while the plane is in phase since maintenance is easiest during this time period.

The functional end product would not be possible without the work of the maintainers who work continuously to make sure the Warthog is ready to fly.

"These Airmen are some of the hardest-working I have ever served with," said Lt. Rodriguez. "They're extremely dedicated to their work and treat each aircraft as if they own it."

In addition to all the agencies directly involved, the status of the entire process is known by the 23rd Maintenance Group commander because of its importance- if a plane is in the phase doc, it is not on flying status.