18th MXG Quality Assurance ensures excellence Published Nov. 18, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Coleman 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- A select group of maintainers is tasked to watch over day-to-day maintenance, checking aircraft maintenance practices are safe and efficient every day. The 18th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance section is responsible for verifying that aircraft maintainers are trained and utilizing the proper techniques and procedures when working on the flightline. Everything, including the maintenance of the buildings on the flightline to compliance with technical orders while working on aircraft, is routinely inspected to ensure the safety of those affected - from the maintainers to the pilots. They are also the primary technical advisory agency in maintenance, aiding supervision at all levels to resolve maintenance quality issues. The combined efforts of QA personnel, maintenance leaders, and technicians are necessary to ensure high quality maintenance production and equipment reliability. "We are expected to be out there to ensure everyone is operating in a safe manner," said Master Sgt. Andrew Balderas, 18th MXG QA chief inspector for fighter aircraft. "Our job is to make sure this maintenance group is providing quality products. Training is a big part of that as well as safety." The QA staff evaluates the quality of maintenance accomplished and performs necessary functions to manage the group's Maintenance Standardization Evaluation Program. The MSEP provides an objective sampling of the quality of equipment, the proficiency of maintenance personnel and the compliance of Lead Command and Unit MSEP focus areas, programs and processes. While randomly being inspected isn't eagerly anticipated, the assessments ensure maintainers follow their technical orders. "I think QA is important because they provide a sense of structure to the maintenance we do on a daily basis," said Senior Airman Eldridge Rouse, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief. "Although it feels as if someone is always watching over your shoulder looking for you to mess up, I also know they offer a different level of expertise that can be used to better our maintenance." Small but serious details, like wearing a watch or wedding ring, could result in a serious injury when working on aircraft. Leaving the flaps down on a piece of equipment could result in burning up machinery worth thousands of dollars. Those "could-have" situations are the reason quality assurance inspectors play an important role in the maintenance world. "We're just another layer to ensure that quality products are being produced - safe, reliable products," Balderas said. Whether building or aircraft maintenance, 18th MXG QA personnel ensure safety and quality in every aspect of 18th Wing maintenance.