First F-16 MRA class graduates at Holloman

by Staff Sgt. E’Lysia A. Wray
49th Wing Public Affairs

12/17/2015 - HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.– – The 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 10 held a Sole Hands-On Training Mission Ready Airmen course graduation Dec. 16 at Holloman.

This is the first graduation of its kind to be conducted at Holloman. The course originally started at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, in 1994, until it was transferred here about a month ago.

“The F-16 aircraft have moved from Luke AFB to Holloman,” said Master Sgt. Travus Gonzalez, the 372nd TRS, Det. 10 production superintendent. “Our course requires the aircraft [crewchief] to complete our course training objectives.”

The MRA course teaches F-16 crew chiefs hands-on training needed to perform their basic daily duties on the aircraft.

The material covered includes aircraft launch and recovery, preflight and postflight inspections, engine oil servicing; Liquid Oxygen, or LOX, servicing; LOX converter removal and installation; aircraft tire servicing; and aircraft refueling

“Our F-16 MRA program works closely with the 311th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 314th AMU to use their aircraft sorties,” said Gonzalez. “It really is a team effort with the 54th Fighter Group to graduate our students.”

The MRA training has graduated 11,840 Air Force crew chiefs. This includes Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members. The MRA program is set to graduate approximately 450 students at Holloman in fiscal year 2016.

Upon graduating, students are awarded their 3-Level. They are then stationed at any of the 68 locations available in the career field to continue their on-the-job training.