EMS lab tests 'metal,' garners USAFE award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eydie Sakura
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  Whether inspecting aircraft and equipment for corrosion or analyzing oil samples for magnetic particles, the nondestructive inspection laboratory here ensures the structural integrity of the wing’s aircraft and support equipment for everyday training, as well as real-world combat missions.

Supporting these missions launched the Spangdahlem Air Base NDI lab into the best-of-the-best category, winning the 2004 Best NDI lab in U.S. Air Forces in Europe award.

When it comes to being named best in USAFE, Master Sgt. Larry Van Iwarden, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron section nondestructive inspection lab chief, said his team is “more than just your average ‘crack finders.’”

“We simply have the best NCOs and Airmen in the business,” he said.

“Their attention to detail and unwillingness to accept less than perfect maintenance practices keep them sharp and challenged.”

These maintenance practices include inspecting and supporting equipment for internal and external problems, such as corrosion and cracks on the inside of tubes, wings and pylons. The NDI lab uses several inspection methods, including X-ray, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, liquid penetrate and eddy current.

Having an array of equipment can bring a plethora of ever-changing programs and procedures regarding compliance standards.

“It is commonplace for our people to ask questions on how and why things are done, and challenge one another for explanations,” Sergeant Van Iwarden said. “That’s what made us the first and only NDI lab to interpret the technical data correctly on how to perform the darkroom’s safelight inspection. We were also the first lab following all ultraviolet safety procedures.”

Safety is vital for the NDI lab. In June, the lab discovered an F-16 engine was defective, and had it not been pulled from the aircraft, the engine could have failed during one of its next flights, possibly causing loss of life and an F-16 aircraft.

This commitment to excellence is what makes the NDI lab here surpass their peers.

“Our section is 100 percent committed to their duty tasks, and has an acute attention to detail,” said Staff Sgt. Melissa Girouard, 52nd EMS NDI craftsman. “The lab is full of hard-working, motivated and dedicated NCOs and Airmen, who bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and talent.”