U.S. Air Force aircrew support personnel in at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio recently participated in a field testing and training event for the M69 Joint Service Aircrew Mask for Strategic Aircraft (M69 JSAM SA) assembly. The JSAM SA is replacing the Mask Breath Unit-19P Aircrew Eye and Respiratory Protection (MBU-19P AERP) equipment on all fixed-wing, non-ejection seat, non-pressure breathing large frame aircraft, such as the C-17 Globemaster III.
When the new masks arrived, they were unpacked with each one carefully inspected for defects or damage before being added to the inventory list.
Airmen from the 445th Operations Support Squadron’s aircrew flight equipment (AFE) shop and 89th Airlift Squadron participated the a field testing and training event led by the members of the Headquarters Aircrew Flight Equipment and Air Force Life Cycle Management Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Systems from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
Master Sgt. Diego Cancino, 445th Operations Support Squadron AFE flight chief, gave high the new equipment high marks. “The new mask system is a breath of fresh air for both AFE as the equipment maintainers and aircrew as the end user,” Cancino said. “Our old legacy system, while proven effective, was beginning to show some age, and we felt that we were overdue an update.”
Bryan McCoy, a U.S. Air Force Aircrew CBRN fielding coordinator from APG provided training to 445th AFE Airmen and gave a presentation and demonstration to 89th AS aircrew members (pilot and loadmaster). The purpose was to share information and answer questions that aircrew members might have about M69 JSAM-SA.
The AFE shop will be individually fitting each aircrew member with the M69 mask and providing training on use and wear.
Featured image: Tech. Sgt. Brett Schindler, 445th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment lead trainer, demonstrates how to don the new M69 Joint Service Aircrew Mask Strategic Aircraft (JSAM SA) with guidance from Bryan McCoy, a U.S. Air Force Aircrew Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (ACBRN) fielding coordinator, during a briefing and demonstration given to 89th Airlift Squadron aircrew members, June 7, 2023. Photo credit: Stacy Vaughn
Adapted by CBRNE Central from original story by Stacy Vaugh, 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
