Meet Air Combat Command’s only operational test maintenance division Published Oct. 15, 2024 By 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo 53rd Wing Public Affairs Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Photo Details / Download Hi-Res EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In the dynamic environment of U.S. Air Force operations, the Maintenance Operational Test (MxOT) Division within the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron bridges the gap between maintenance and operational testing with innovation. MxOT plays a pivotal role in ensuring that cutting-edge technologies seamlessly integrate into frontline aircraft. Unlike conventional maintenance roles, MxOT operates at the intersection of technical expertise and operational testing, ensuring that newly integrated systems meet operational standards. Their mission is to propel fighter aircraft capabilities by aligning aircraft systems advancement efforts from operational, maintenance, logistics, and sustainment perspectives. “Our main role is to provide a middle ground between maintainers and pilots, communicating requirements and support from both communities while still delivering capability to the warfighter,” said Capt. Cameron Castleberry, MXOT’s Project Manager. “The goal is to create a symbiotic relationship that enables us to get more testing accomplished.” Members of the Maintenance Operational Test (MxOT) Division within the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron pose for a team photo April 29, 2024, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. MxOT plays a pivotal role in ensuring that cutting-edge technologies seamlessly integrate into frontline aircraft. (Courtesy photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The MxOT division was established in 2022 in response to numerous upgrades and support requests that fell outside of the scope of regular operational maintenance. Its inception aimed to address these needs within the operational test enterprise, thereby enabling a specialized focus on maintenance testing. This strategic approach allows the 59th TES to prioritize the refinement of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) that had previously been overseen. “The Air Force has conducted maintenance testing for years, but there was never a specific unit in charge of it,” said Shawn Fradet, MxOT’s Operational Analyst. “This division allows us to give maintenance testing the rigor and attention it requires.” Division project managers oversee the complex coordination required for successful test integration. The managers collaborate closely with System Program Offices, ACC’s Weapon System Teams, developmental test members, engineers, analysts, pilots, and subject matter experts within the field to evaluate and refine test submissions. This coordination ensures that each TTP is not only effective but also sustainable and reliable under real-world conditions. “Coming to this unit requires you to be a jack of all trades,” said 2nd Lt. Taleah Cooper, MxOT’s Assistant Project Manager. “Our team has experts who work with every Air Force fighter aircraft, which creates a very high paced work tempo.” Recently, MxOT has made significant progress on the modernization of the F-22 Raptor. The division’s objective is to enhance the platform’s maintainability and reliability for all operational stakeholders as Raptor Agile Capability Release (RACR) hardware and software advancements continue to be tested. Castleberry attributed the division’s progress to its proactive approach to overcoming challenges. “Instead of ‘working to get a yes,’ we begin with a ‘yes’ and navigate challenges to ensure the warfighter gets the capabilities they need,” he said. U.S. Air Force Airmen complete independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) for an F-35 Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. The intent for IPOP Tactics Development and Evaluation is to equip Combat Air Forces with a tool that permits location agnostic off-station operations for the F-35 Lightning II to operate without the deployment of maintenance personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Additionally, the division is working on an initiative called Independent Pilot Off-Station Procedures (IPOP) for the F-35 Lightning II. The purpose of IPOP is to provide a flexible tool to the Combat Air Force (CAF) that allows for location agnostic off-station operations for the F-35 to operate quickly without the deployment of maintenance personnel. These skills are essential for agile combat employment (ACE) operations, as they enable pilots to make informed decisions regarding the operations and maintenance of their aircraft. “These initiatives exemplify how the division transforms innovative ideas into practical tools for our warfighters,” said Chief Master Sgt. Randolph Crosslin, 53rd Wing command chief. “MxOT exemplifies our commitment to operational test excellence and maintainability.” A hallmark of MxOT is its collaborative culture that encourages innovation, empowering members to explore new ideas and contribute actively to project development. Their vision is to be a holistic maintenance organization leveraging existing expertise within the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center to test, evaluate, and advance fighter aircraft capabilities. “Everyone here truly exemplifies a ‘get after it’ attitude,” said Cooper. “We are all passionate about these projects because we know where they’re going and know how important they are to the warfighter.” U.S. Airmen assigned to the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Group and the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron conduct a cold integrated combat turn (ICT) on an F-35A Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 29, 2024. ICT requires the aircraft to be fueled simultaneously as four AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles are loaded with engines turned off. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Tan) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The division is currently evaluating an initiative they have coined Rapid Aircraft Generation and Employment (RAGE) for the F-35 Lightning II. The goal of RAGE is to develop TTPs that minimize combat turn time, which is the time required to regenerate an aircraft to a mission capable state. This effort helps minimize personnel and equipment vulnerability to increase survivability and lethality. “Ultimately, as we face the potential for conflict with a peer adversary, we must look to mitigate war-gaming assertions that show 90% of aircraft losses happen on the ground,” said Crosslin. “Tactics like RAGE and IPOP will be vital to the survival of not only aircraft but also the thousands of Airmen working on the flightlines at forward operating locations. This team continues to drive advancements that will ensure our dominance through air superiority and lethality.”