Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wrenches lie in an aircraft mechanic’s toolbox at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. Mechanics are vital to ensuring the readiness of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flying operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, tightens a nut and bolt on a T-38 Talon at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. The maintenance was part of an air speed test, which is a measurement of the aircraft’s speed relative to the air around it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, plugs a cable into a pressure-temperature test device during a T-38 Talon maintenance at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. This device tests the aircraft’s airspeed, which is a measurement of the aircraft’s speed relative to the air around it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, runs an air speed test on a T-38 Talon at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. A group of civilian contractors prepare T-38s for their daily flying schedules by refueling and inspecting the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, clicks a switch on a pressure-temperature test device at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. The T-38s are part of the Companion Trainer Program for U-2 Dragon Lady pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, looks into a T-38 Talon cockpit during an air speed test at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. This test measures the aircraft’s speed with a static tube system, which can determine the speed of the air flowing around the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, looks into a T-38 Talon cockpit at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. The T-38 is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its ease of maintenance, elevated performance, and exceptional safety record. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, climbs down stairs during a T-38 Talon repair at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. The 9th MOS plans and monitors the long-term health of not only the T-38, but also the U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Published Jan. 30, 2020
By Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco
9th Reconnaissance Wing

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, tightens a nut and bolt on a T-38 Talon at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. The maintenance was part of an air speed test, which is a measurement of the aircraft’s speed relative to the air around it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)

T-38 Talon mechanic works on aircraft — Razor-sharp talons: 9th MOS mechanics keep T-38s running

Wesley Dietrich, 9th Maintenance Operation Squadron aircraft mechanic, tightens a nut and bolt on a T-38 Talon at Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 27, 2020. The maintenance was part of an air speed test, which is a measurement of the aircraft’s speed relative to the air around it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Valentina Viglianco)