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20th EMS Airmen keep F-16s rolling

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Tucked away inside Hangar 1200, a small group of Airmen work around the clock on the mechanism that keeps the F-16CM Fighting Falcon rolling.

This cluster of Airmen, assigned to the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire flight, perform various types of maintenance on the wheel and tire infrastructure of Shaw’s 79 F-16s.

“An average week we will receive 10 to 15 wheels.” said Airman 1st Class Alexis Barrera, 20th EMS wheel and tire team member.

The F-16 has two types of wheels: the main wheels, located on the back of the jets, and the nose wheel, located on the front of the jets.

“Each wheel serves its own purpose,” said Airman 1st Class William Miller, 20th EMS wheel and tire team member. “The main, which are the back wheels, will absorb the brunt of the force when landing. The nose will serve as a supporter and will not take as much of the force.”

Both types of wheels require different forms of maintenance to ensure they can function to the best of their ability.

“We need to ensure that all the wheels and tires are up to date and in regulations,” said Miller. “If these pieces of equipment are not properly maintained the possibility of an aircraft having an unsafe landing will increase.”

Equipment such as the F-16 bead breaker and the tire inflation safety guard allow these Airmen to perform necessary maintenance on the aircraft wheels and tires.

The bead breaker uses hydraulic pressure to disassemble and assemble a tire from its rim, allowing Airmen to replace or inspect inbound and outbound tires. The tire inflation safety guard, otherwise known as “the cage,” allows the Airmen to release air pressure and monitor pressure gauges for tires in the machine.

“These pieces of equipment aid us in the assembly, disassembly, cleaning and repair of the wheels,” said Barrera. “Without these machines, our mission here would be hindered.”

By keeping the wheels turning, these Airmen support the 20th Fighter Wing suppression of enemy air defenses mission by ensuring the safety of the pilots and the F-16s they maneuver. With every landing and take-off supported, these Airmen continue to leave their mark on the wing and the pavement below.