Luke Airmen keep F-16s in sky during Balikatan 2009

  • Published
  • By Marine Lance Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines --   - Through rain or scorching sun, crew chiefs of the 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit stand ready to support the pilots of the 56th Fighter Wing. 

To assist the pilots in their training mission throughout Balikatan 2009, crew chiefs of the 63rd AMU, Luke Air Force Base, ensure the unit's fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons are prepared for a smooth and safe take-off and landing. They are thoroughly trained in maintaining, launching and troubleshooting the aircraft. 

"Just like the F-16 can fly through any weather, we also need to be prepared to fight through the elements to ensure the aircraft are always in the best condition," said Senior Airman Matthew Golitko, a 63rd AMU crew chief. 

Their knowledge and expertise is a huge part of successful flights, and greatly appreciated by the pilots who rely on their skills to keep them flying safely. 

"They're the guys who help ensure our birds are safe and properly maintained," said Maj. Tom Courtney, 63rd Fighter Squadron pilot. "They have the skills to identify possible issues and fix them before they cause any damage." 

There is such great pride in their precision and knowledge of the aircraft that their names are painted along the side of the pilot's hatch. 

"We're the last people to see them before they take off and the first to greet them when they get back," Airman Golitko said. 

Throughout Balikatan 2009, Philippine and U.S. maintenance personnel and pilots have been working together to learn about each other's aircraft. The pilots have also used the time to gain more flight experience in foreign skies. 

"It has been a very helpful and positive experience," Major Courtney said. "It is better to be here with them, learning how they do things and what they work with than to be on the other side of the world just hearing about it." 

Their mission is just one small part of the much larger picture of Balikatan 2009. This year, during the 25th iteration of Balikatan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be working with U.S. forces to train in real-life scenarios to maintain preparedness for bilateral operations in the event of a natural disaster or other needs for humanitarian assistance.