Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS’ nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

An elemental analyzer machine tests an engine oil sample at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. The machine tests the burn rates of various elements contained within an aircraft’s engine oil, identifying irregular burn rates to identify a specific failing engine component. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS’ nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

Airmen from the 5th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection (NDI) shop practice inspection procedures on training equipment at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. NDI specialists use noninvasive methods to identify possible defects in systems and equipment before anything can become hazards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS’ nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

Airman 1st Class Krizel Tuazon, 5th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection (5MXS NDI) technician, places an engine oil sample into an analyzer at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. The 5MXS NDI shop, through the Joint Oil Analysis Program, is responsible for testing the oil for all types of aircraft for Minot AFB and other bases that send in their engine oil samples. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS’ nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lorenzo Yanez, 5th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection (NDI) non-commissioned officer in charge, lays a test plate on top of a blank sheet of X-ray film at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. NDI specialists utilize tools such as X-rays and ultrasonic inspection kits to inspect the interior of a piece of equipment without requiring it to be opened or dismantled. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS’ nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

Airman 1st Class Brendan Conklin, 5th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection technician, simulates activating the X-ray system at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. The NDI shop takes several precautions to safeguard its members while working near a radiation area, including using a Geiger counter, wearing a warning device to detect if local radiation levels are too high, and wearing a thermoluminescent dosimeter to track an individual’s lifetime exposure to radiation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS’ nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandon West, 5th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection (NDI) shop chief, points at an aircraft panel’s crack, faintly visible on an X-ray scan at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. Utilizing everything from X-rays to ultrasound, NDI specialists find the smallest imperfections and take the corrective measures needed to keep equipment working safely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS’ nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lorenzo Yanez, 5th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection (NDI) non-commissioned officer in charge, shines a blacklight on a hydraulic line piece at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. Not all damage to equipment is visible to the naked eye, and NDI specialists employ specialized procedures and tools to diagnose issues in equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)

Seeing the unseen: How 5MXS' nondestructive inspection specialists check what eyes cannot

Published March 18, 2026
By Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- An elemental analyzer machine tests an engine oil sample at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, February 5, 2026. The machine tests the burn rates of various elements contained within an aircraft’s engine oil, identifying irregular burn rates to identify a specific failing engine component. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kendra A. Ransum)