JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- –
Some U.S. Service members don't realize this team exists until they're needed, which holds true for the Crash Disabled Damaged Aircraft Recovery team assigned to the 27th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
The crash recovery team, which is made up of trained crew chiefs, responds to in-flight and ground aircraft emergencies. The team is trained to handle situations ranging from stalled engines to blown-out tires.
"We are trained to lift planes using cranes or airbags, and how to respond to in-flight emergencies," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Herman Hernandez, 27th AMS CDDAR team member. "We are also responsible for performing periodical phase maintenance, a form of inspection, on the F-22 [Raptor] after they fly about 300 hours."
From formal inspections to handling cranes, Hernandez said the CDDAR team continuously prepares for a situation they hope never happens.
The recovery team recently trained for a potential aircraft mishap to ensure the safety of the pilots and the public in preparation for the upcoming AirPower over Hampton Roads Open House, April 22-24.
"We are always training to keep up with all the possible situations that could occur," said Hernandez. "We have to train often because when you don't do something every day you tend to forget it and we, thankfully, don't have crashes very often."
The continuous training and dynamic atmosphere keeps him on his toes, said Hernandez.
Although he is optimistic the team will not have to respond, Hernandez said the crash recovery team is on standby during the open house.
"I am hoping that the show goes smooth and nothing happens," said Hernandez. "That's the best we can hope for, but if something happens we are going to be there to handle it as quickly as possible."
For more information about AirPower over Hampton Roads Open House, visit
www.airpoweroverhamptonroads.com