LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --
It takes a lot of work to keep an F-16 Fighting Falcon flying, and it takes a lot of people to keep the seven fighter squadrons at Luke Air Force Base mission-ready. To ensure this is accomplished, Luke organizes aircraft maintenance units to do the job.
The Airmen of the 310th Aircraft Maintenance Unit combine the talents and skills of five Air Force specialties to ensure the 29 aircraft of the 310th Fighter Squadron are properly maintained.
"Having multiple specialty codes in one place allow us to efficiently complete the mission and helps us to minimize calling out another unit," said Senior Master Sgt. Dale Deskins, 310th AMU superintendent. "It saves time and offers a lot of continuity."
Everything from the tires and air conditioning units to the bullets the aircraft fire is maintained and inspected by the AMU Airmen.
Working closely with a diverse crew allows the AMU Airmen to better see how they contribute to the mission of producing the world's greatest F-16 fighter pilots.
"I can't put into words how invaluable what they do is," said Col. Ken Ekman, 56th Training Squadron student pilot flying with the 310th FS. "Walking out and knowing I'll have a 'Code 1' jet, an aircraft that is ready to fly, takes a load off my mind and allows me to concentrate on my training."