Base maintains history while training Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lou Burton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  Flight; it is the typical mode of transportation for the Air Force's many jets. However, Airmen from the 482nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Squadron transported an F-4 Phantom II by truck after they removed the static display from its pedestal on U.S. Route 1 for scheduled maintenance repairs.

"The F-4 on display in Homestead is an official aircraft that not only represents the Air Force, but is a significant historical piece of equipment," said Chief Master Sgt. Katdo Robinson, Superintendent, 482nd Maintenance Squadron Superintendent

A twin engine tactical fighter bomber that was introduced in 1958 and retired in 1996, Homestead Air Force Base utilized the F-4 from 1981 to 1989.

Weighing half its normal weight, the 15,000 pound display has been gutted of all electrical devices and components.

"The Air Force still owns this aircraft," said Robinson. "Even though we keep the jet on U.S. Route 1 as a static display, it is our responsibility to conduct routine maintenance on it every eight years."

The process of moving the aircraft started at 5 a.m. and involved coordination between the base, local law enforcement, a crane company, and a local truck company.

"Removing and installing the static display requires special tools that you can't just pick up from any hardware store," said Robinson. "This is where the skill and training from the skilled Airmen in our maintenance squadron come in."

Taking five hours, the F-4 was hoisted off its pedestal by crane and lowered onto a truck, then escorted by police through Homestead to the base. The 482nd Fighter Wing Fabrications Flight received the F-4 and is in the process of preparing it for repairs.

"This process requires more than just some paint," said Robinson. " We have to wash the jet, sand down the exterior, inspect for structural damages, make repairs, then apply three coats of paint."

It would seem the jet is just getting a fresh coat of paint, but to the Airmen making the repairs it is a complex process that will require structural repair and then painting.

"When we paint an F-16 it takes a five person team, five days, or 300 hours to complete the job, the F-4 will probably take approximately 2,000 man hours," said Senior Master Sgt Luis Ayala, 482nd Structural Maintenance Supervisor.

Making necessary repairs involves more than ordering replacement parts. The flight must remake structural pieces themselves from engineering diagrams.

"The men and women in this career field are very intelligent," said Robinson. "Their job requires them to utilize mechanics, mathematics, and drafting. Many of them have careers in the mechanical field outside of the Air Force."

While the process is extensive, it is just one of many tasks the fabrication flight has to contend with.

"Aside from the 2,000 hours that repairing the F-4 will take, we have inspections scheduled, flight line jobs, part replacements on other aircraft, and other responsibilities to juggle," said Ayala. " The job will probably take about three months for us to complete."

The added responsibility also provides an added benefit of training.

"Our F-16's are so well maintained, most of us don't get an opportunity to work on an aircraft that needs such extensive repairs," said Ayala. "This experience will definitely benefit the Airmen here."

Once the repairs and painting are complete, the aircraft will be returned to its pedestal as a reminder of the U.S. Air Force presence in Homestead and around the world.