Airmen complete month-long training in Pacific region

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Airmen from the 19th Fighter Squadron from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, recently completed two back-to-back training exercises in Thailand and Hawaii.

The squadron interacted with Thai and Singaporean air forces at Cope Tiger in Korat, Thailand, while also training here with the 199th Fighter Squadron of the Hawaiian Air National Guard.

The training in these two places differed from what they do on a daily basis in Alaska because of weather.

"We are able to do a lot of different things in Hawaii compared to Alaska," said Capt. Tyler Marsh, of the 19th FS. "The terrain for one is different because we fly over mountains (Alaska) daily compared to Hawaii where we can fly a 1,000 feet off the water,"

The 19th Aircraft Maintenance Unit staff is depended on heavily to keep the aircraft flying in hot or cold weather conditions.

"When we're in Alaska, our maintenance folks are out in the snow and ice all day to get out jets running, so keeping a good relationship with them is vital because we realize without them a lot of the stuff we do won't happen," Captain Marsh said.

Weather is a major challenge for the maintenance members in Alaska because when they have to fix something on the jet during the winter months, they have to evaluate the problem on the spot and then move the jet inside to begin work on it. This adds time to their processes.

"It's easier to maintain the jets in Thailand and Hawaii because we can handle any problems right away without moving them inside first," said Senior Airman Matt Pujanauski, an F-15 Eagle electrician with the 19th AMU.

Despite the challenges involved in working in the Alaskan weather, the maintainers were still able to keep the jets flying resulting in top recognition for the 19th FS.

"Being a nation at war, our Air Force is tasked at a high level, so it's been challenging to do some of the things that we've done," said Lt. Col. David Graff, the 19th FS commander. "This was the last deployment for the 19th FS and 19th AMU and it has been a great year for us."

The 19th FS is one of the squadrons closing its doors due to the fighter reduction program.

"Although it doesn't feel good to close down a squadron, it does feel good to finish off our last full year as a Raytheon Trophy winner, said Lt. Col James Suhr, director of operations for the 19th FS commenting on the award to the best air-to-air fighter squadron in the Air Force. I'm confident that no matter where the men and women of the 19th FS and 19th AMU go, they will continue to do good things."