From Pack to Pilot: Meticulous Parachute Inspections Ensure Combat Readiness at Forward-Deployed Locations
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Megia, right, 389th Fighter Squadron aircrew flight equipment noncommissioned officer in charge, and Senior Airman Gareb Crone, 389th FS aircrew flight equipment technician removes tape from a parachute pack during an annual inspection and repack within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 4, 2025. The seven-step inspection and repack process takes an average of six to seven hours to complete, requiring careful attention to detail to meet operational safety standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amanda Jett)