GAF Exchange

Tech. Sgt. John Hurt, 49th Maintenance Squadron, demonstrates welding operations for German Air Force members during the German Exchange Program tour August22 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The GAF members were also shown the Computer Numerical Control Machining Centers and Manual Milling Machines and Lathes, all of which are used to cut and shape metals. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Sondra Wieseler)

GAF Exchange

Tech. Sgt. William Hancock, 49th Maintenance Squadron, answers a question about the engine inlet and explains the integrated blade rotor construction of the F-119 engine during the German Exchange Program tour at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., August 22. The tour was designed to show maintenance senior non-commission officers and officers of the German air force how their American counterparts carry out the same discipline. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Sondra Wieseler)

GAF aircraft maintainer's receive tour of U.S. facilities

Published Aug. 27, 2008
By Airman Sondra M. Wieseler
49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (ACCNS) -- The 49th Maintenance Group conducted a tour for German senior non-commissioned officers and officers of the aircraft maintenance corps as a part of the German Maintenance Exchange Program at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., August 23.

Earlier this year, the 49 MXG enlisted aircraft maintenance corp was given a tour of the German maintenance facilities and learned how their German counterparts carry out the same mission.

"The goal of the program is to build relationships between both German and American Airmen that share in the same discipline," said Capt. David Chavira, the 49th MXG executive officer. "We live and work on the same base and in the same town, so why not get to know each other."

During the tour, the German maintenance SNCOs and officers were given an organizational structure brief, a tour of the new F-22A Raptor training facilities, metals technology section, engine repair and low observable/sheet metal repair shops.

German Chief Master Sgt. Joachim Lubowski, a participant of the tour, felt the tour was not only educational, but it improved the relationship between themselves and their maintainer counterparts.

"A lot of the people we met for the first time and some we've known for a while," he said. "It makes you familiar with people and faces."

Another participant, 1st Lt. Jens Mustermann, said he felt the tour will help in the overall mission at Holloman AFB, and will help them prepare for the future when they may all have to work together while deployed.

At the end of the tour, the group met at the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hooch for fellowship and discussion.

"I think the program is great," said Captain Chavira. "It gives us the ability to interact and ask questions on how aircraft maintenance is done elsewhere. Our German counterparts were very professional and seemed to like the interaction."

The program was started after the 49th MXG commander and the German air force logistics group commander decided it could benefit both organizations and it will be an ongoing program, said Captain Chavira. The follow-on plan is for SNCOs and officers to shadow each other in their given discipline.