A real class act

  • Published
  • By 2d Lt Steven Conley
  • 421st Aircraft Maintenance Unit Assistant Officer in Charge
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  In September 2011 the 419th Fighter Wing and 466th "Snakes" Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) deployed with 12 F-16's to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of South Korea, as a Theater Security Package (TSP). Then on Dec. 1, 2011, the 421st "Black Widows" AMU, the active duty counterpart to the 466th AMU, took over the air tasking order.

The deployment was to support Kunsan in its mission to deter potential aggressive actions from North Korea. It would have been easier for the squadron to come to Kunsan, fulfill its obligations, and leave. However the 421st insisted on performing at its best to meet the legacy of the Wolf Pack, leaving a lasting impression with the 8th Fighter Wing for years to come.

Upon arrival, the 466th/421st AMU faced multitude challenges to include issues with facilities, housing, communication, and aircraft parking that was less than ideal. These obstacles could not stop the success that was about to unfold over the next 6 months. While deployed to the peninsula, the 466th/421st maintained an average mission capable rate of 84.1 percent, surpassing the 81 percent Combat Air Forces standard.

Throughout December all maintenance indicators were either met or exceeded, typically unheard of in the aging F-16 fleet. Also, maintainers were able to accomplish 100 percent maintenance scheduling effectiveness for the duration of the deployment.

This type of focus on tactics, techniques, and procedures enhances the long-term fleet health and prevents many unexpected "breaks" that will almost certainly hinder a jets ability to fly for the day, or even longer. This balanced approach also facilitates maintenance and increases combat capability.

The 421st operators were able to fly 1,241 sorties consisting of a total of 1,746.1 hours during the seven-month stay.

An additional benefit was realized when a second TSP unit, the 55th Fighter Squadron from Shaw Air Force Base, joined the deployment in January. At this time, the 421st pilots were able to acquire real-world Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) training using actual SEAD and DEAD air assets that otherwise could not have been accomplished. This greatly contributed to the readiness of our aircrew, keeping our pilots fully trained and even more combat ready.

While the team was racking up impressive stats, they were also challenged with the high readiness expectations that come with working with the Wolf Pack in a high-operations tempo location like South Korea.

Unlike other bases which may participate in Operational Readiness Exercises (ORE) twice a year, Kunsan AB does not have that same standard. With a very real threat only a 12-minute flight away, the base is constantly preparing to respond if called upon. The 421st participated in a total of six ORE's over the entire deployment and flew over 95 percent of scheduled sorties in all of them. Additionally, when not in Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, the team brought a new level of competition to the 8th AMXS.
During a recent competition for maintainers and pilots, called a Turkey Shoot, the 421st won all available maintenance categories. The categories for this competition were the weapons load competition, proud falcon, and the top AMU overall.

From the start of the deployment to the very end, the 421st made significant efforts to integrate into the 8th Fighter Wing.

Throughout the deployment the 8th Maintenance Group Commander, Col. Dane P. West, referred to the 421st as, "A real class act," because of the 421st AMU's high performance and willingness to help the other units when in need.

From improving the facilities, managing fleet health, and keeping morale high; the 421st came together as a unit at every level to make this deployment as fun and successful as possible.

After the trip, the only thing left to say is, "SAWADEE!!," a saying in the 421st that reaches back into squadron history meaning "hello" or "goodbye" in Thai.

SAWADEE!!