RQ-4 Global Hawk maintenance

Airmen from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to place the forward nacelle air intake on an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The part was repaired off the aircraft to ensure no dust or debris damaged internal parts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Wieringa, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, scrapes sealant from an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft at Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. After the sealant was removed, the forward nacelle air intake was installed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bradley Easterbrook, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, checks the turbine blades on an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. Airmen check for foreign objects that can damage internal parts before re-assembling the aircraft during maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron place the forward nacelle air intake on an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The part was repaired off the aircraft to ensure no dust or debris damaged internal parts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Wieringa, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, adjusts the forward nacelle air intake on an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Aaron Fliger, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, tightens a hose clamp on an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. Crew chiefs re-assembled the aircraft after it underwent maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tylher Whaley, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, works inside an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. Crew chiefs re-assembled the aircraft after it underwent maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Shane Robison, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, checks the work of Airman 1st Class Tylher Whaley as she illuminates the interior of an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. Crew chiefs re-assembled the aircraft after it underwent maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tylher Whaley, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, replaces tools after completing maintenance on an Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Dec. 19, 2012, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. Every tool must be accounted for after completing each maintenance task. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shawn Nickel/Released)

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Photos: RQ-4 maintainers keep Global Hawk flying high

Published Dec. 19, 2012

RQ-4 Global Hawk maintenance