Model F-22 restored, refurbished

Airman 1st Class Dylan Manning, Airman 1st Class Brendan Picklesimer, Airman 1st Class John Harris and Airman 1st Class Mark Schliner all assigned to the 60th Maintenance squadron fabrication flight, pose for a photo in building 803. The 60th MXS and the 364th Recruiting Squadron came together to reconstruct and refurbish a model F-22 Raptor, which will be used as a recruiting tool in local events at McClellan.

Model F-22 restored, refurbished

Airman 1st Class Brendan Picklesimer, 60th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural journeyman, poses for a photo next to a model F-22 Raptor Sept. 21, in building 803. The model F-22 project was a large accomplishment for Picklesimer and his team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathon Carnell)

Model F-22 restored, refurbished

A model F-22 Raptor, refurbished and restored by the 60th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight, is parked inside Building 803 to be delivered to the recruiters with the 364th Recruiting Squadron Sept. 21 from McCellan Air Force Base, Calif. The model F-22, which is approximately one sixth the size of a real F-22, has saved the Air Force nearly $10,000 with the maintenance being done by the 60th MXS team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathon Carnell)

Model F-22 restored, refurbished

A model F-22 Raptor, refurbished and restored by the 60th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight, is parked inside Building 803 to be delivered to recruiters with the 364th Recruiting Squadron Sept. 21 from McCellan Air Force Base, Calif. The model F-22 has brought the 60th MXS team closer together as many volunteers worked together in completing the refurbishment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathon Carnell)

Model F-22 restored, refurbished

Published Oct. 2, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Jonathon D. A. Carnell
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The 60th Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight refurbished and delivered a model F-22 Raptor to the 364th Recruiting Squadron Sept. 21 at McClellan Air Force Base, California.

The project brought the 364th RS and the 60th MXS together, volunteering time and resources to enhance recruiting efforts and save the Air Force an estimated $10,000.

When the 60th MXS was told about Air Education Training Command’s objective with the model F-22 they made it their own, said Tech. Sgt. Sharron Craft, 364th Recruiting Squadron recruiter.

“The F-22 restoration project is a significant part of displaying the Air Force image while striving to maximize local efficiencies amidst a fiscally constrained environment,” said Lt. Col. Claudio Covacci, 60th MXS commander. “Our refurbishment efforts paid dividends in recapitalizing a piece of Air Force equipment for future recruitment events.”

After recently obtaining his five-level certification, Airman 1st Class Brendan Picklesimer, 60th MXS aircraft structural maintenance journeyman, was eager to take on the challenge of refurbishing the F-22.

“This was my first job with minimal instruction,” said Picklesimer. “Fiberglass repair, painting and stenciling were some of my major roles on the model F-22. It was a really great experience.”

After straightening out the bent attachment rods so the wings could be hung, Picklesimer and his team accomplished a complete overhaul consisting of over 30 fiberglass repairs to the body, a full paint job with decals and all electrical rewiring.

“Working with our Air Force family and having real teamwork has helped us save time and money on this F-22 refurbishing project,” said Craft.

The model F-22 is one sixth the size in size of an actual F-22 and helps display the Air Force image during recruiting events.

“I am extremely proud of our team that volunteered their personal time to restore the F-22,” said Covacci. “They fully understand the importance of AETC’s mission in recruiting enlisted Airmen, officers and healthcare professionals. Our recruiters not only represent the U.S. Air Force to the public but also recruit the USAF’s most precious resource: its human capital.”