KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Many communities surrounding Kadena Air
Base experience their share of F-15 Eagle engine noise, what some would call
the sound of freedom, thankfully there is one area that quiets the powerful
engine.
The 18th Component Maintenance Squadron’s one of a kind Engine Test Facility
runs engines at full afterburner and surrounding neighbors never know.
The facility was built in the 90’s and
was paid for by the Government of Japan in an effort to reduce noise pollution
in the local community while maintaining the critical role being able to test
and have engines ready at a moment’s notice.
“We made an agreement with Government of
Japan to build this facility reducing noise to 65 decibels so we can run
engines all through the night without disturbing anyone,” said Senior Airman
Gerald Gangaway, 18th CMS aerospace propulsion journeyman. “This building is a
lot like the hush houses on the flight line but it’s a lot quieter. It’s the
only facility like this in the entire Air Force.”
This testing would normally create more than 140
decibels of sound without any aircraft even leaving the ground. The testing
facility reduces the noise level to about 65 decibels, effectively reducing the
noise of a jet engine to the level of a quiet conversation. Outside the soundproof
structure, the sounds from these roaring engines are hardly detectable.
Operating inside the test facility enables the
technicians to check for leaks and other malfunctions while repeatedly
operating the engine at full power.
“We mostly run the F-15 Engine, even though we have
the capabilities to run other engines as well,” said Gangaway. “We run them
from idle to full afterburner over and over checking for leaks and other things
while making sure that all of the parameters are good to go.”
Making sure the engines are functionally safe and
ready for flight, before installing them into the aircraft, limits the noise
experienced around the flight line to actual take-offs and landings, offering
the families on Kadena AB and the surrounding community a good night's sleep.
"The test cell is where all engine
troops strive to work," said Tech. Sgt. James White, 18th CMS test cell
assistant NCO in charge. "We get sent the best of the best from our back
shop, the guys who really strive to be successful at our job."
Being able to work in the Engine Test
Facility and getting to see how what we do plays into the larger mission is
very rewarding, added Gangaway.
"Every day is different, and it’s not the same
old routine because each engine has its own personality," said Gangaway.
"Any mistake we make could be detrimental in the loss of equipment,
aircraft or even loss of life. We take a lot of pride in the product we put out.”