Italian maintainers hone skills during Red Flag Published Aug. 31, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Italian air force pilots weren't the only airmen able to sharpen their skills during Red Flag 09-5 here at Nellis Air Force Base. More than 100 airmen deployed here from Istrana Air Base, Italy, to maintain their fleet of 10 AMX surface attack aircraft used for close air support missions. Even though there are people here from many different squadrons, everyone has the same goal. "We strive to keep the aircraft in good working order," said Chief Master Sgt. Luigi Viola, chief of maintainers, who is here for his second Red Flag exercise. A special team of five people, known as the advanced party, arrived early to prepare the detachment for the exercise, coordinate logistics, get the flight line ready for the arrival of the aircraft, and reserve hangar space and lodging for the participants. While participating in Red Flag, the Italian air force maintainers work in two shifts spanning 18 hours, with an overlap of 30 minutes. Before each mission, the maintainers perform preflight operations and get the aircraft ready for the day, much like the U.S. maintainers. Information is then entered into a logistics network system so people back in Italy can view details of the maintenance performed on the aircraft. Once the pilots step to the jets, the maintainers launch the aircraft. Then, after the jets land, the maintainers look over the aircraft and perform all necessary maintenance, and then start the process over again. "The job here is not very different from Italy except that we have to work in shifts because of the temperature," said Lt. Col. Russo Vincenzo, maintenance director. "We are not used to the heat," he said. During Red Flag, temperatures hovered around 100 degrees, and some days reached temperatures of 120 degrees on the flight line. Despite the Las Vegas heat, it was still an enjoyable experience for them. "It is a great opportunity for us to participate in Red Flag," said Colonel Vincenzo. "I feel like we have worked hard to have this gift and we appreciate the training Red Flag has provided us," he said. Chief Master Sgt. Giovanni Pomponio, flight line chief, who is also here for the second time, echoes Colonel Vincenzo's sentiments. "Everyone at Nellis has been very helpful to us," he said. The Italian air force deployed here with a total of 180 airmen including pilots, maintainers and support technicians. They have flown approximately 16 sorties per day in support of both Green Flag and Red Flag exercises.
