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375th OSS exercise serves three-fold purpose

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 375th Operation Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment office held an Air Force-wide exercise Aug. 11through Wednesday to train Scott Airmen as well as 15 other visiting Airmen.

Scott was chosen because it is centrally located and the aircrew flight equipment Airmen could handle it.

The exercise had three purposes, the first of which is to annually to train Airman who do not normally deploy.

"Airman set up and ran aircrew members through a decontamination line as if they were chemically attacked," said Tech. Sgt. Tim Kelso, squadron NCOIC.

While conducting their annual training, a new system was tested.

"There are two different systems, said Airman 1st Class Sayrah Martin, squadron technician. "The older system is harder and the newer system was more adaptable."

The second purpose was the Joint Strike Fighter aircrew contamination control area exercise.

In this exercise, Airmen were the first ever to test a decontamination line designed for the F-35. Airmen wore new equipment and ran another decontamination line.

"This was designed by the British so it was unlike what we know," said Sergeant Kelso. "It was pretty awesome seeing new equipment."

The third purpose was to test the Joint Service Aircrew Mask which is scheduled to replace the Aircrew Eye and Respiratory System.

"We were the first ones to try them," said Airman 1st Class T.J. Northcutt, squadron technician. "We were able to bring up points that needed to be fixed before they were given to everyone else."

The Airmen tended to favor the JSAM masks.

"I think it is a step up from the old masks," said Airman Martin. "They are not as conformed to the face and are more comfortable."

The Airmen performing the exercise dressed as pilots and were able to gain the perspective of an aircrew member.

"It was fun," said Airman Martin. "A little hot and heavy, but I got to see a different side of the job. It gave me a broader perspective on the career field and what we do."

This exercise gave the aircrew flight equipment Airmen have an advantage over the other Airmen who have yet see the new equipment being introduced to the Air Force.

"The Airmen came with no knowledge and left certified," said Staff Sgt. Steve Medina, squadron assistant NCOIC. "This will help them out in the future with their careers as they go to other bases."