Surge exercise brings out best in pilots, maintainers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The 482nd Operations and Maintenance Group worked together to launch 43 flying missions during the February Unit Training Assembly.

This type of training exercise is called a "surge." When surging, the 482nd Operations and Maintenance Groups get as many jets in the sky safely as they can. 

"The goal of the exercise was to evaluate our maintainers' capabilities and help our pilots prepare for an upcoming deployment," said Capt. Andrew Zanrucha, the 367th Fighter Squadron maintenance officer in charge. "Normally, we will fly 18-24 missions over a weekend. We flew 24 missions alone on Saturday."

The original goal was to launch 54 missions, but due to severe weather not all could be completed.  Base leadership was pleased with Team Homestead's performance. Airmen worked around the clock to keep the base's F-16 Fighting Falcons in prime condition.

"During this UTA, our Airmen proved their dedication and motivation through their phenomenal performance despite the weather challenges," said Col. David P. Garfield, 482nd Fighter Wing commander. "They not only met, but exceeded the expectations set before them."

"Keeping up with all the sorties this weekend was one of the biggest challenges I've had here," said Senior Airman Gylmar Garcia, a 482nd Maintenance Squadron engine mechanic. "It was exciting but challenging. We had to do a lot of repairs on the fly, which we did successfully. It was a great experience to be tested like this. It demonstrated that we are mission ready."

Thanks to the efforts of the maintainers, pilots were able to sharpen their air-to-ground combat capabilities.

Capt. Chris Harrison, a 93rd Fighter squadron pilot, flew twice over the weekend.

"It was much-needed training because we do so many different types of missions in the F-16 that it is crucial for us to re-familiarize ourselves with every aspect of it," said Harrison.