Structural maintenance keeps 944th F-16s airborne

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Keeping 944th Fighter Wing aircraft flying takes more than a good pilot or crew chief.
Ensuring the structural integrity of the 16 F-16s on the ramp and the support and aerospace ground equipment is the mission of the structural maintenance shop in the 944th Maintenance Squadron. 

After each flight, an aircraft is inspected and if any issues are found with the structural integrity, the shop determines repair or replacement of parts. As jets go into phase after 300 flying hours, the technicians in structural maintenance spend time going over every part of the aircraft to check for corrosion, damaged parts, deterioration and cracks, according to Master Sgt. Brent Marsh, 944th MXS structural maintenance chief. 

Using metalworking equipment and tools, the shop designs, repairs, modifies, or fabricates aircraft panels, metal structures, plastics, and fiberglass. 

"We can make just about anything out of any metal here," Sergeant Marsh said. 

As well as repairing and replacing parts, the shop applies preservative treatment to metal surfaces of missiles, aircraft, SSE, and AGE equipment to meet requirements for protecting the structural integrity of the equipment. 

"Even though manned at 50 percent, (the structural maintenance shop) comes out here every single day giving 100 percent helping us keep the fleet airborne," said Chief Master Sgt. Steve Plante, 944th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent. 

The shop's work does not stop at aircraft and support equipment. They can design and manufacture things such as storage racks and other types of equipment for other areas of the 944th FW. 

The shop also designed and created the mount system for the F-16 static in the new airpark. Due to their ingenuity, the F-16, painted in World War II Tuskegee colors, will be in continuous flight as a reminder of the legacy of the 944th Fighter Wing for many years to come.