KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Airmen with the 35th Fighter Wing, from Misawa Air Base, Japan, traveled to the 8th FW, at Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea, to continue operations while the Misawa AB runway undergoes repairs May 15.
During this time armament technicians with the 35th and 8th Maintenance Squadrons integrated, allowing Airmen to work side-by-side to continue each wing’s mission.
Although Airmen are not at their home station, they still adhere to all monthly inspections, including a routine 18-month inspection of a M61A1 20mm Gatling Gun that arose, which requires Airmen to completely break down and rebuild it, cleaning, re-lubing, repairing or replacing any components which have been damaged.
Normally while at a home station, breaking down the M61A1 only takes two to four people but while at a temporary duty location, it can take anywhere from seven to eight, averaging around a week to completely accomplish the task.