Flight line safety: award of distinction

Combat Edge, Nov, 2004 by Michael D. Holloway, Bradley T. Beames

While performing duties required to launch a $74M B-52 bomber on a local training sortie, SSgt Holloway and A1C Beames prevented the loss of life and a valuable combat aircraft. SSgt Holloway and A1C Beames were assigned as crew chiefs to launch Skull 29 on a Functional Check Flight (FCF). The launch was plagued by multiple minor maintenance issues, and Red Ball maintenance was expertly and quickly coordinated. Problems included failure of the Hobart AC power cart, the pilot's Attitude Directional Indicator gyros, autopilot, and TACAN/VOR navigation set. After starting the number 4 engine in accordance with Technical Order procedures, engine number 5 would not start after applying fuel to the engine. Maintenance was coordinated to work on the problem. After motoring the engine to clear unburned fuel from the engine, and waiting the prescribed time for starter limitations, a restart of engine #5 was attempted. Shortly after the attempted restart, fuel vapors ignited around and below the engine. The crew chiefs took immediate action to warn the crew and used the nearby HALON bottle to quickly extinguish the flames. Their timely response prevented any damage to the aircraft. Finally, just prior to taxi, the team of crew chiefs noticed that one of the aircraft's air refueling doors on top of the jet was partially open. SSgt Holloway notified the crew, and a recycle of the system corrected the problem, preventing any damage to the system on departure and climb out. SSgt Holloways and A1C Beames' attention to detail yet again protected America's tip of the spear. The expert workmanship of the ground crew team allowed for an on-time takeoff despite all the encountered setbacks and delays. Working together, their quick action saved the lives of the five-member crew, two onboard maintenance Airmen, and an irreplaceable national resource.

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SSgt Michael D. Holloway, A1C Bradley T. Beames,

2nd Aircraft Maint. Sqdn., 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana