FTD 16, Kirtland AFB, NM

I began my tenure as Detachment Chief of Field Training Detachment 16 (FTD) in April of 1998. FTD 16 is part of the 373 Training Squadron and the 982^nd Training Group, each headquartered at Sheppard AFB, TX. The U.S. Air Force 982d Training Group is the unit of choice for aircraft maintenance training in the field. They specialize in bridging the gap between the general aircraft maintenance knowledge the mechanics acquire in their technical training and the specific, in-depth knowledge required to actually maintain an aircraft at an operational base.

At FTD 16, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, our mission is to train the helicopter and C-130 mechanics of the 58^th Special Operations Wing (SOW). The 58^th SOW operates the MC-130H Combat Talon II, the HC-130P Combat Shadow, the MH-53J Pave Low IIIE, the MH and HH-60G Pavehawk and the UH-1N Huey. We employ 19 instructors teaching 51 aircraft maintenance course in areas as diverse as avionics, hydraulics and electrical/environmental systems. Over 90% of our instructors hold at least an associates degree in their career field with a few holding a bachelor's degree. All instructors are NCOs.

Photos below are courtesy of the US Air Force.  More can be seen at Gallery.

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The MH-53J is the Air Force's premier special operations helicopter. It is considered a heavy-lift helicopter. It is used for rescue and infiltration and exfiltration of Special Operations personnel from all services. It has the ability to do "nap of the earth" flying down to tree top level. It has a rescue hoist to retrieve downed aircrew. It also has side-firing mini-guns and a 50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear troop door. The Pave Low is air-refuelable and thus has an unlimited range.

The H-60 Pavehawk is the Air Force special operations derivative of the Army H-60 Blackhawk. It is considered a light-lift helicopter. While it can perform limited special operations missions quite well, its primary use in the Air Force is for rescue operations. Specifically to rescue downed pilots. The Pave Hawk is also air-refuelable.

The UH-1N is a light lift helicopter now primarily used in the Air Force for nuclear missile site support and dignitary airlift at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC. It is a Vietnam era aircraft. The N-model is a twin engine variant. It is not air-refuelable and rarely has any weapons mounted.

The MC-130H is a special operations variant of the C-130 Hercules airlift/cargo transport aircraft. The original airframe design dates to the 1950's. It is used for the insertion and extraction of special operations forces deep into enemy territory. It has no on-board weapons provisions but has an extensive suite of very sophisticated Electronic Countermeasure equipment (ECM).

The HC-130P is used to provide air-refueling of special operations and rescue helicopters.