Just a phase

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Caesar Rivera and Airman 1st Class Bryan Boswell, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, test an actuator, a device used to control aircraft flaps, on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a phase inspection here, June 18. The leading edge flap, which the actuator controls, provides additional lift and drag during take off and landing. Sergeant Rivera and Airman Boswell are both deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

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Just a phase

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Shane Bridges, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, holds a front leading edge actuator in place as Staff Sgt. Caesar Rivera, 332 EAMXS crew chief, re-connects it during a phase inspection of an F-16 Fighting Falcon here, June 18. A phase inspection checks critical aircraft systems to ensure they are in working order and can continue to fly combat missions over Iraq. Sergeant Rivera is deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and Airman Bridges is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

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Just a phase

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Bryan Boswell, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, reinstalls an actuator for the leading edge flap test of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a phase inspection here, June 18. The leading edge flap creates a cup-like channel of air under the wings, which allows the aircraft to move at slower air speeds. Airman Boswell is both deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

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Just a phase

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Caesar Rivera, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, rotates an actuator for the leading edge flap test of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a phase inspection here, June 18. The leading edge flap provides additional lift and drag during take off and landing. Sergeant Rivera is deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

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Just a phase

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Shane Bridges, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, re-connects a front leading edge actuator after it had been checked during a phase inspection of an F-16 Fighting Falcon here, June 18. Ensuring the operability of the front leading edge flap is critical because the flap enhances the lift of the aircraft by creating an air channel under the wings, which provides more drag and allows the aircraft to maneuver during slower air speeds. Airman Bridges is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

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Just a phase

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Airman 1st Class Shane Bridges, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, goes through a checklist of items during a phase inspection of an F-16 Fighting Falcon here, June 18. A phase inspection checks critical aircraft systems to ensure they are in working order and can continue to fly combat missions over Iraq. Airman Bridges is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

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Just a phase

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Caesar Rivera and Airman 1st Class Shane Bridges, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, communicate back and forth during a test of the leading edge flap as part of a phase inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon here, June 18. The flap is responsible for providing additional lift and drag that is critical for movement at slower air speeds. A phase inspection checks critical aircraft systems to ensure they are in working order and can continue to fly combat missions over Iraq. Sergeant Rivera is deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and Airman Bridges is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

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Just a phase

Published June 23, 2008