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Agile Combat Employment: can’t stop, won’t stop

By Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England — Airmen from non-maintenance career fields practiced Agile Combat Employment concepts while helping generate sorties last week at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cameron Emerson, 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, assists with pre-flight maintenance at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 21, 2021. The 48th Fighter Wing is dedicated to developing a force of multi-capable Airmen to drive the mission more effectively through the integration of Agile Combat Employment concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)

During a limited manning training exercise, Airmen like Capt. Cameron Emerson, 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, assisted crew chiefs in launching and recovering 493rd FS aircraft. This is a duty typically performed by Airmen in the maintenance group.

“This limitation has actually created a great opportunity for operations and maintenance to integrate by opening the positions to assist the crew chiefs on the flightline,” said Emerson.

The 48th Fighter Wing is dedicated to developing multi-capable Airmen to drive the mission more effectively. This is accomplished through Agile Combat Employment concepts.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 21, 2021. Aircrew and other Airmen and Aircrew from non-maintenance career fields recently had the opportunity to practice Agile Combat Employment concepts while helping generate sorties for the 493rd FS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)

According to Lt. Col. Mark Perry, 493rd Fighter Squadron Commander, every Airman benefits from possessing the ability to perform multiple duties outside of the scope of their daily routine.

“A pilot could very well find themselves landing in an austere location with minimum support in a combat situation,” said Perry. “It’s important for us to ensure our Airmen and aircrew are familiar with a variety of the different skill sets required for mission readiness.”

Experiences like this give personnel a different perspective and instill a deeper appreciation of the teamwork required to keep the Liberty Wing mission running smoothly every day.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 21, 2021. The 48th Fighter Wing is dedicated to developing a force of multi-capable Airmen to drive the mission more effectively through the integration of Agile Combat Employment concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte)

Emerson said as a pilot, it’s easy to get caught up in his own pre-flight checklist in the cockpit, but being able to work with the crew chiefs on the ground has reminded him that maintenance personnel carry a huge portion of the weight of the mission on their shoulders.

“I’m extremely impressed with how expeditiously and professionally they work through any issue and the demanding nature of the job,” said Emerson. “This experience has given me an even greater appreciation for what maintenance does for the mission every single day.”

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