Changing the tape at Shaw Air Force Base
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Noah Black, left, and Staff Sgt. Samuel Bacani, right, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production specialists, attach a connector to the end of arresting system tape at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 14, 2023. Stretching the tape confirms it can withstand an engagement and eliminate any slack in the reel, ensuring the safety of pilots and their aircraft in emergency situations.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Samuel Bacani, left, and Tech. Sgt. Kyle Hughan, right, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production specialists, inspect an arresting system reel at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 14, 2023. The mechanism is used for emergent situations only, therefore, it is important that it's properly lubricated and calibrated to support the safety of Team Shaw's aircrew.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Noah Black, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production specialist, assists in laying out arresting system tape. Team Shaw uses every opportunity for on-the-job training to ensure 20th CES airmen are fully qualified and prepared to evaluate the integrity and safety of the arresting system.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
U.S. Air Force 20th Civil Engineer Squadron power production Airmen, recreate a tape connector inside of a tire at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 14, 2023. The tire ensures the tape connector stays stationary in order to guarantee the pilots safe landing in potential emergent situations requiring the arresting system.
U.S. Air Force 20th Civil Engineer Squadron power production Airmen slash and measure unstretched arresting system tape at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 14, 2023. The arresting system tape connector attaches to the cord that the jet hook catches to, allowing Shaw pilots to slow down in an emergency situation.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brad Stankiewicz, left, and Senior Airman Kent Klavik, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production specialists, perform annual arresting system tape maintenance.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Spear, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production specialist, rolls up arresting system tape for its annual replacement.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
A U.S. Air Force 20th Fighter Wing arresting system kit, BAK-12, is prepared for an annual tape change at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 14, 2023. An F-16C Fighting Falcon cannot perform the mission requirements if the arresting system isn't inspection-ready and fully operational.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyrii Richardson
Posted
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Noah Black, left, and Staff Sgt. Samuel Bacani, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production specialists, attach a connector to the end of arresting system tape at Shaw Air Force Base on Aug. 14. The tape is used to slow down jets in an emergency situation to ensure the safety of 20th Fighter Wing pilots. Stretching the tape confirms it can withstand an engagement and eliminate any slack in the reel. The tape reels on the runway need to be changed annually in order for 20th Fighter Wing pilots to be capable of safely completing the suppression of enemy air defenses.
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