5th Maintenance Squadron: Structurally Sound

Airman 1st Class Christopher Rich, 5th MXS aircraft structural maintenance apprentice, vacuums an upper engine cowling at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 25, 2018. Airmen with the 5th MXS aircraft structural maintenance shop are trained to restore B-52H Stratofortress’ structural integrity to ensure they are safe and mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)

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5th Maintenance Squadron: Structurally Sound

From left, Airman Britain Cutbirth and Airman 1st Class Christopher Rich, 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance apprentices, perform maintenance on an upper engine cowling at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 25, 2018. Airmen with the 5th MXS support the flying mission through munition, aircraft and other maintenance operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)

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5th Maintenance Squadron: Structurally Sound

Airman Britain Cutbirth, 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance apprentice, sands the edges of a splice plate at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 25, 2018. Splice plates are used to join separate metal parts and properly support engine cowlings during aircraft maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)

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5th Maintenance Squadron: Structurally Sound

Airman Britain Cutbirth, 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance apprentice, bends a splice plate at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 25, 2018. Airmen with the 5th MXS use various methods to maintain aircraft, including installing replacement parts and building replacements from scratch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)

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5th Maintenance Squadron: Structurally Sound

An Airman with the 5th Maintenance Squadron tightens a draw cleco onto an upper engine cowling at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 25, 2018. Aircraft structural maintainers use draw clecos to hold parts together to ensure upper engine cowlings remain serviceable. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)

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5th Maintenance Squadron: Structurally Sound

From left, Airman Britain Cutbirth and Airman 1st Class Christopher Rich, 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance apprentices, perform maintenance on an upper engine cowling at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 25, 2018. These maintainers are responsible for restoring the B-52H Stratofortress structural integrity to ensure a pilot’s safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)

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5th Maintenance Squadron: Structurally Sound

Published Jan. 29, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance shop is responsible for repairing damage and wear to B-52H Stratofortresses at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Structural maintenance also provides equipment maintenance and special support for the Minuteman III missiles and UH-1N Iroquois helicopters.