Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

U.S. Air Force Airman Senior Airman Jacob Gomez, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs an inspection on a HGU 55P helmet before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The Bomber Task Force missions conducted by USSTRATCOM help ensure global security by proving the ability to show deterrence in various locations, while also enhancing the military readiness of allied and partner forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Gomez, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs an inspection on a PCU 15P harness and HGU 55P helmet before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The 9th EBS AFE members follow all safety precautions during equipment inspections to ensure it is operable and up to par. BTF 25-2 provides opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and combined operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Juwan Johnson, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, and Senior Airman Jacob Gomez, 9th EBS AFE technician, perform an inspection on a PCU 15P harness and HGU 55P helmet before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The Bomber Task Force missions conducted by USSTRATCOM help ensure global security by proving the ability to show deterrence in various locations, while also enhancing the military readiness of allied and partner forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

PCU 15P Harnesses and HGU 55P helmets, inspected by aircrew flight equipment Airmen from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The 9th EBS AFE members follow all safety precautions during equipment inspections to ensure it is operable and up to par. BTF 25-2 provides opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and combined operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

U.S. Air Force Airman Senior Airman Jacob Gomez, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs an inspection on a PCU 15P harness and HGU 55P helmet before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The 9th EBS AFE members follow all safety precautions during equipment inspections to ensure it is operational and up to par to support the BTF mission. BTF 25-2 provides opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and combined operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Travelstead, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations, packs his HGU 55P helmet before taking off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The BTF mission provides opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and combined operations to discourage aggression and maintain peace and stability in the region and beyond. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

(From left to right) U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Juwan Johnson, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, assists Maj. Brandon Felley, 9 EBS weapons systems officer, with his PCU 15P harness before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The BTF mission provides opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and combined operations to discourage aggression and maintain peace and stability in the region and beyond. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Tyler Goeke, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons system officer, adjusts his PCU 15P harness before taking off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The BTF mission provides opportunities to train and work with our allies and partners in joint and combined operations to discourage aggression and maintain peace and stability in the region and beyond. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric DeLaMater, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew flight equipment supervisor, checks the serial numbers for each combat survivor evader locator system radio and performs GPS fixes before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The Bomber Task Force missions conducted by USSTRATCOM help ensure global security by proving the ability to show deterrence in various locations, while also enhancing the military readiness of allied and partner forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

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Behind the Flight: AFE powers BTF readiness

Published April 25, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole
PACAF

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Airman Senior Airman Jacob Gomez, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs an inspection on a HGU 55P helmet before the aircrew takes off for a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 21, 2025. The Bomber Task Force missions conducted by USSTRATCOM help ensure global security by proving the ability to show deterrence in various locations, while also enhancing the military readiness of allied and partner forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations

Gear up for action: Supporting air crew operations