F-15 Wing Shop's perfect record gives team motivation, pride Published Sept. 5, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- When it comes to delivering on time, the F-15 wing shop has an impeccable record. The maintainers haven't delivered an F-15 Eagle or Strike Eagle wing late from program depot maintenance since June 2003. The team of about 200 maintainers is willing to do whatever is required to deliver their wings on time. Nate Newton, a sheet metal mechanic in the shop, said it is the group's unblemished record that motivates him to continue to push himself to ensure the wings always go out on time. "It encourages you to keep doing your best," he said. One of the team's supervisors, Frank Valasky, said it is all about restoring that wing to a like new condition. The team can rebuild a wing from start to finish in as little as 20 days; wings with more damage can take up to 28 days. "The job we are doing ensures that when pilots get in the plane, they are safe and able to do their job," Mr. Valasky said. Joel Owens said being a sheet metal mechanic gives him a chance to contribute to the war against terror. "It makes me feel real good. It makes me feel like I am doing my part just like they are -- just not in the air," he said. Mr. Owens works in the tear down area of the wing shop, where the foam is removed from the aircraft and then picked clean using a water pick. Bud Reynolds, a sheet metal mechanic in the F-15 wing shop, said the shop's ability to be on time every time boils down to "pride." He said the maintainers in the shop are all proud of their unblemished record and would do anything to preserve it. Mr. Reynolds said one of the things that make the F-15 wing shop team special is their understanding that "a late wing is just not an option." "If a wing has to go out, the maintainers will go double time to get a wing out on time," Mr. Valasky said. "It's nothing for these people to go above and beyond." Many of the team members agree it's the variety of workers that helps the team continue to prolong their flawless record each time a new wing comes into the shop. "We are multi-skilled hands. We have people skilled in hydraulics and electronics. The skill level in the shop is very high," said Robert Martinez, sheet metal mechanic. "It's all about pride in here because the people in here are good." Everyone agreed it was the work ethic of the F-15 wing shop team members that allowed them to produce the wings on time, every time. "Every team member knows what his or her job is and they do whatever is required to get the job done," said Dennis Roberts, a work leader in the shop. "We all pull together and get the job done," said Connie Worthy, a sheet metal mechanic in the shop.