Chile, U.S. aircraft maintainers find common ground in the profession of arms

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 12th Air Force Public Affairs
IQUIQUE, Chile (AFNS) --  Servicemebers from Chile, the United States, Argentina, Brazil and France participated in an exercise to see beyond their own operating methodology and adapt to an environment under a common cause. 

Combined exercises present an opportunity for Air Force servicemembers to work together with partner nations to prepare for humanitarian assistance and regional security threats during real-world crises. Exercise Salitre, a multinational exercise hosted by the Chilean air force, is no exception.

For the maintainers of the 161st Air Refueling Wing, an Air National Guard unit operating out of Iquique, Chile, the adaptation went beyond merely working together. They found a common culture between themselves and Chilean air force maintainers.  

"The Chilean air force provided us with all the support we needed, like fuel, oxygen and equipment," said Master Sgt. Joe Barreras, a 161st ARW aircraft maintenance superintendent. "As the exercise started, we all started working together as a team. We were all here for the same reason, and they opened their arms to us right away."

The Chilean air force maintenance teams, maintain F-5s, A-36, and F-16s stationed in Iquique, impressed Sergeant Barreras with their discipline and professionalism, he said. The 30-year guardsman saw the same qualities in Chilean air force Airmen that he did in his own.

"They are a very well disciplined maintenance crew," he said. "They have the same sense of urgency and the same priorities as we do: keep the aircraft flying and keep your people safe. They take care of business just like we do. It's impressive."

When the work for the day was finished Oct. 23, the Chilean air force maintainers even went so far as to invite all the American Airmen to a barbecue. Just as they shared their expertise on the flightline, they swapped stories about family, life and their military experiences at the barbecue. In return for the hospitality, members of the KC-135 Stratotanker unit offered incentive rides to Chilean air force maintainers.

"You should have seen their faces when they stepped off the aircraft," Sergeant Barreras said. "They appreciated the flights so much, and it really showed our common cause. They were waving to the pilots, whose aircraft they had just launched, while the F-16s were getting refueled by the tanker. It really shows how we all work together."

Master Sgt. Segovia, a 28-year Chilean air force maintenance technician, agreed with Sergeant Barreras about the common ground each Airmen shares regardless of national origin. 

"We have a lot of respect for the mechanics from the United States," he said. "They know their profession, like we know ours, and they get the work done. There is a bond there, and trust. There is a very good rapport between our countries. I consider these Airmen my friends as well as allies."

That friendship is the best part about participating in Exercise Salitre for Master Sgt. Jeff Swab, a KC-135 crew chief. This is Sergeant Swab's third trip to Chile.

"I've met many Chilean air force Airmen in my past deployments, and we integrate very well together," he said. "The lasting friendships, the camaraderie with the Chileans is the best. They go out of their way to be as hospitable as possible."

The hospitality, mission support and ability to integrate successfully all falls back into the theme of common culture, where the mission of keeping aircraft flying bridges any obstacle during combined operations," he said.

"Airplanes are airplanes," Sergeant Swab said. "The Chilean air force have an extremely high standard of maintenance. Their dedication and devotion to duty are right up there. I think that's why we integrate so well together.