AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Vicente Olvera, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment main shop noncommissioned officer in charge, conducts a routine inspection on a drogue parachute at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. A drogue parachute stabilizes and slows down the ejection seat during a pilot’s descent. By maintaining these parachutes, AFE specialists ensure the combat capability and safety of 51st Fighter Wing pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Vicente Olvera, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment main shop noncommissioned officer in charge, rigs a drogue parachute at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. AFE specialists conduct routine inspections and maintenance on flight equipment to guarantee the 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons are always ready to execute the fight tonight mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Delancey, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, conducts a routine inspection on a pilot parachute at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. AFE specialists are responsible for ensuring Airmen are equipped with the essential supplies required for executing the mission of the 51st Fighter Wing and defending the skies over the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Delancey, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, conducts a routine inspection on a pilot parachute at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. AFE specialists meticulously manage the inspection and maintenance of flight equipment which is a critical aspect of ensuring pilots of the 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons are prepared to fly, fight and win at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Cusick, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, conducts a routine inspection on a life preserver unit at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. AFE specialists are dedicated to ensuring flight equipment remains consistently reliable as they are a critical factor in upholding safe flight operations during mission execution within the 51st Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman James Hunter, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, conducts a routine inspection on an over-the-side flight suit at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. An OTS suit is used during the winter months to keep pilots dry and warm in the case of an ejection. AFE specialists conduct routine inspections and maintenance on flight equipment to ensure the 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons are always primed and ready to carry out the fight tonight mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman James Hunter, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, conducts a routine inspection on an over the side flight suit at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. AFE specialists inflate OTS suits and subsequently apply soapy water to them to verify the absence of leaks in the suit. These suits are employed when pilots expect to traverse over low temperature waters, ensuring the safety and dryness of pilots in the case of contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

U.S. Air Force aircrew flight equipment specialists from the 51st Operational Support Squadron pose for a group photo at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. AFE specialists play a crucial role in managing the inspection, maintenance and adjustment of aircrew flight equipment, ensuring it remains in optimal working condition for 51st Fighter Wing pilots to protect the skies over Osan and the ROK. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)U.S. Air Force aircrew flight equipment specialists from the 51st Operational Support Squadron pose for a group photo at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. AFE specialists play a crucial role in managing the inspection, maintenance and adjustment of aircrew flight equipment, ensuring it remains in optimal working condition for 51st Fighter Wing pilots to protect the skies over Osan and the ROK. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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AFE Specialists: The force behind the flight

Published Oct. 4, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Vicente Olvera, 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment main shop noncommissioned officer in charge, conducts a routine inspection on a drogue parachute at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2023. A drogue parachute stabilizes and slows down the ejection seat during a pilot’s descent. By maintaining these parachutes, AFE specialists ensure the combat capability and safety of 51st Fighter Wing pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)