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As the designated host maintenance unit for the exercise, 35th FGS Airmen handled inspections, servicing, repairs and rapid turnarounds for more than 20 combat-coded aircraft. Their work enabled partner forces to operate side-by-side, honing joint and bilateral operational readiness and reinforcing regional deterrence. “Often when doing exercises, we are on the road and rely heavily on host units. For us, this was our time to be that continuity for guest units,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Chaz Henrich, 35th FGS F-16 production superintendent. “Countless times the ROKAF and USMC have worked with us to share how each service approaches challenges and procedures differently.” Across the flightline, 35th FGS Airmen worked side-by-side with members of ROKAF and USMC, exchanging procedures and troubleshooting techniques in real time. This hands-on collaboration accelerated maintenance work and built mutual familiarity with differing technical approaches and standards. Maintainers supported a demanding sortie schedule across multiple mission sets, moving quickly between preflight inspections, troubleshooting systems and component swaps. Flight line teams coordinated closely with weapons, avionics and propulsion shops to expedite turn times while preserving safety and precision. The result was a steady tempo of sorties that allowed aircrews to practice integrated tactics and refine mission flow. “Working during Freedom Flag has taught me to perform under pressure and manage my time effectively to get the job done, while also learning how to work efficiently with other Airmen outside of my shop,” said Airman Jose Galindo, 35th FGS electrical and environmental systems specialist. The exercise also underscored how disciplined prioritization sustains capability when personnel are limited. To maintain sortie generation, leaders focused on deliberate tasking and smart workforce alignment– staging parts and tools ahead of launches, sequencing inspections to reduce ground time and routing complex repairs to subject-matter experts while others completed turnaround tasks. “One of the largest challenges we have faced is manning. Due to posturing, the best way we have overcome this is accurately setting priorities and [employing] what I call ‘Methodical Maintenance,’ putting the right people on the right job at the right time,” said Henrich. “When every person’s time is limited, it is imperative that I use that time effectively.” By applying methodical maintenance, rapid coordination and shared problem-solving with joint and bilateral partners, the 35th FGS ensured each F-16 was ready to launch when called. The squadron’s performance during Freedom Flag 25-2 reaffirmed its role in sustaining combat airpower and strengthening interoperability across the Indo-Pacific. The 35th FGS remains ready to support the 8th FW’s mission to “Take the Fight North.” During Freedom Flag 25-2, maintainers again demonstrated the precision, professionalism and teamwork necessary to keep aircraft and aircrews ready for joint and bilateral operations.