LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Langley has cultivated the concept of total force integration with the 1st Fighter Wing and 192nd Fighter Wing Virginia Air National Guard working as counterparts to complete the mission.
The titles given to the 1st FW and the 192nd FW squadrons may be different, but the mission and duties are the same.
"It doesn't matter if you are with the 192nd or the 1st FW, our mission is to provide support and maintenance for the F-15s and F-22s," said Senior Master Sgt. Brad Smedshammer, 192nd fabrication superintendent. "We are going to make sure the aircrafts are fully combat ready at a moment's notice."
For instance, the fabrication flight consists of the 1st FW Equipment Maintenance Squadron and the 192nd FW VaANG Maintenance Squadron. Within this flight, active-duty Airmen and Guardsmen work together to keep the structural integrity of all assigned aircraft by implementing non-destructive inspections, integrating metals technology, and applying low observable.
According to Airman 1st Class Bethany Dietz, 192nd FW VaANG MXS non-destructive inspection tester, the 192nd and 1st FW protect the aircrafts, by finding small problems and fixing them before they escalate into larger ones.
Fabrication identifies problems by taking x-rays, to detect cracks, or by testing oil samples for wear metals such as zinc and titanium to ensure the longevity of the aircraft.
The metals shop can even replicate parts of an aircraft, saving the Air Force money.
"Looking from the outside-in, you wouldn't be able to tell who active-duty is and who's in the Guard," said 2nd Lt. Scott Paeth, 1st FW EMS Fabrication Flight officer-in-charge. "We all work together -- it's pretty seamless."