The Air Force flying units in Southwest Asia draw daily on the expertise of a cadre of USAF mechanical engineers who can design on-the-spot structural repairs for the SWA-engaged aircraft, reports Air Force journalist TSgt. Stephen Staedler. Currently USAF’s depot liaison engineers in Southwest Asia are 1st Lt. Jake Depapasse, 1st Lt. Jeffrey Newcamp, and 2nd Lt. Mark Eilertsen. Their expertise enables them to “go a little bit above and beyond” what is covered in aircraft technical orders, says Newcamp. They work hand in glove with sheet metal airmen, producing replacement parts for airframes long out of production, whose increased flying hours in harsh conditions are producing unique problems.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
