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Total Force group of airmen deployed to Balad AB, Iraq, fabricate varied aircraft parts and ground equipment from scratch. SrA. Michelle Santos, a Reservist deployed from Homestead ARB, Fla., knows the value of the “metal techs.” She says: “Without us there would be a lot of aircraft downtime due to shipping. Instead of waiting a month for a bushing or for a gear, you’re waiting maybe a day.” They have computer-aided lathes and milling machines, plasma cutters, welding apparatus, and precision measuring tools in their arsenal, reports SrA. Olufemi Owolabi. Currently serving with Santos are other Air Force Reserve Command airmen and active duty airmen from Misawa AB, Japan.
The Air Force announced Aug. 13 it recently tested prototypes for a portable ground station for commanding and controlling semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, and a spokesperson now says the plan is to award a contract for the effort next summer.
