SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Unit: Field
Training Detachment 19, 372nd Training Squadron
Location: Eglin
Air Force Base, Florida
Mission: Train,
Inspire, and Develop Higher Levels of Maintenance Competencies in U.S. and
Allied Warfighters
Vision: Become
the Maintenance Community’s First Choice to Meet Evolving Aerospace Training
Challenges
Motto: Anytime,
Anywhere!
Detachment 19 is located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida,
home of the 96th Test Wing and the 33rd Fighter Wing. The Detachment Chief, Master Sgt. Peter Dimaggio
states, “Det 19 has a unique position in that not only do we train the greatest
F-15 and F-16 maintainers in the world, but we’ve also been at the forefront of
F-35 training since day one of the program. From standing up the Air Force’s first F-35
Mission Ready Airmen (MRA) program, to assisting in the site activations of
other F-35 detachments, our instructors have been instrumental in the development
of F-35 maintenance training for the Air Force. Det 19 has without a doubt laid the framework
for the success of the Air Force's Joint Strike Fighter program.”
Accomplishments:
Since
January 2016, the detachment has taught 87 courses which provided more than 8,135
training hours and graduated 397 maintainers. Students who have received training at the
detachment include Air Force, DoD civilians, Navy, and Marines. By conducting formal training courses, faculty development, and supplying
manpower for training missions, the maintenance professionals of Det 19 showcase
the best the world has to offer.
Det 19 instructors perpetually find
themselves on the cutting technological edge of the fighter aircraft world at
Eglin AFB. Det instructors directly
influence F-35 maintenance training requirements DoD-wide. In addition to
developing the Career Field Education Training Plans for F-35 maintenance
personnel, the staff has validated F-35 aircraft maintenance training courses
and procedures for at least 20 percent of the F-35’s Joint Technical Data
instructions.
Additionally, the det resumed F-15 and
F-16 instruction in 2015. The instructors
have been directly responsible for supporting the F-15 Passive Attack Sensor System
and Suite 8E Avionics Modifications, F-16 Modular Mission Computer M7.1+
software upgrade, and Small Diameter Bomb II development.
Finally, Eglin AFB also serves as the initial
hub for F-35 Mission Ready Airmen (MRA) course training. The detachment has graduated 161 Non-Prior
Service students since 2014 and helped to establish the F-35 MRA training
program at Luke AFB while preparing for a 300% student increase in FY 17. Tech. Sgt. John Ott, NCOIC of the MRA
element, sums up the goal of his instructors, “We are creating a foundation for Airmen in a
hands-on mechanical environment to become the world's premier F-35A maintainers
in order to uphold Air and Space Power while instilling professionalism into
the minds of new Airmen to ensure the highest level of discipline, integrity
and effective teamwork.”
All of
this hard work culminated when Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the Air
Force’s F-35A was declared on Aug. 5, 2016. This accomplishment validates the hard work of
Field Training Detachment 19 and motivates them to continue to deliver the
latest and greatest maintenance professionals to the war fight in support of next
generation fighter aircraft.