Combating FOD

SOUTHWEST ASIA - U.S. Air Force members deployed with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing conduct a foreign object debris walk on the base airfield here May 15, 2010. Airmen participate in the FOD walk quarterly to ensure trash and other debris remains clear of the airfield to prevent damage to aircraft engines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lakisha A. Croley/Released)

Combating FOD

SOUTHWEST ASIA - U.S. Air Force members deployed with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing line up for a foreign object debris walk on the base airfield here May 15, 2010. Airmen participate in the FOD walk quarterly to ensure trash and other debris remains clear of the airfield to prevent damage to aircraft engines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lakisha A. Croley/Released)

Combating FOD

SOUTHWEST ASIA - U.S. Air Force Col. Gary Gottschall, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, thanks Airmen for their participation in a wing foreign object debris walk on the base airfield here May 15, 2010. Airmen participate in the FOD walk quarterly to ensure trash and other debris remains clear of the airfield to prevent damage to aircraft engines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lakisha A. Croley/Released)

Marauders combat FOD

Published May 15, 2010
By Chief Master Sgt. Philip Bilsky
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- More than 300 people participated in an air base tradition, the quarterly foreign object debris walk, here May 15.

FOD is any damage to an aircraft, engine or system caused by a foreign object such as a stone or piece of plastic which may degrade the required safety or operation of those critical items.

"Airfield personnel look for such material on a daily basis, and the EOG, EMXG, EMSG and EAMS flightline personnel conduct group events weekly, but once a quarter base personnel gather for a massive search of the maintenance areas, taxiways and parking lots," said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Ang, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing FOD program manager.

In addition to the regular walks, the wing employs civil engineers using their sweepers on a routine schedule, as well as equipment attachments pulled behind vehicles and designed to pick up gravel. The environment is expeditionary, but the mission is very important and the 386th AEW takes every opportunity to guarantee air power launch and recovery success.

"The quarterly FOD walk serves the dual purpose of flightline cleanup as well as raising awareness about the importance of controlling debris that can damage or disable aircraft," said Col. Gary Gottschall, 386th AEW vice commander. "Besides rocks, almost anything can cause engine damage and the result can be millions of dollars in repairs and the loss of airframe use for a period of time."

Airmen searched for loose rubble, trash and any other foreign debris that doesn't belong on the flightline.

"In spite of this massive effort, flightline operations are not stopped; instead, positive command and control is applied to ensure flightline safety," said Chief Master Sgt. James Wilkerson, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group superintendent. "For most Airmen, getting onto a ramp that's normally restricted, with operations ongoing and engines running, is a very exciting opportunity that puts you where the aircraft meet the sky."

To make the search more interesting, organizers hid "golden bolts," metal bolts painted a golden yellow, on the airfield. Personnel who found them received letters of appreciation from the vice wing commander and other incentives, like gift certificates or calling cards.

"With another successful quarter behind us, we begin this quarter continuing to provide combat airlift and precision electronic attack to the joint warfighter," said Colonel Gottschall. "And as always, we will continue to focus on safe and effective mission accomplishment."