SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 — The 379th Civil Engineer Squadron completed a 10-year overhaul of their aircraft arresting system within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 14, 2025.
An aircraft arresting system is designed to safely stop an aircraft in the event of an in-flight emergency. The overhaul ensured the continued readiness of a critical safety system, guaranteeing dependable support for in-flight emergencies over the next decade.
The project, which began in May, required coordination across multiple 379th ECES sections including barrier maintenance and heavy equipment. Airmen disassembled, inspected, rebuilt and synchronized the systems before conducting a final certification event in partnership with the 379th ECES fire department and the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron.
“In layman’s terms, an aircraft arresting system is a braking system for aircraft with tail hooks,” said Tech. Sgt. Kris Pfennig, 379th ECES barrier maintenance section chief. “If a pilot is unable to stop due to an in-flight emergency, they can drop their hook and catch the cable to bring the aircraft to a halt in a controlled manner, reducing damage to the aircraft and keeping personnel safe.”
During the overhaul engineers discovered structural issues during system removal and inspection. The issues resulted in Airmen having to core out more than 30 structural bolts, before replacement and reconstruction of the entire anchoring system.
“The airfield at the 379th AEW is always busy, so I am proud of the team for overcoming the variety of operational challenges when it came to coordination,” said Staff Sgt. Hunter Ricketts, 379th ECES electrical power production craftsman.
The team overcame complicated real-world operations, which required engineers to balance mission demands while sustaining barrier readiness. Despite reduced manning, the team maintained four active barriers while continuing overhaul work and providing 24/7 response for in-flight emergencies.
“The Barrier Maintenance section navigated a plethora of issues through grit and determination,” said Maj. Hugh Black, 379th ECES operations flight commander. “My hope is that everyone who was a part of the project realizes the magnitude of their actions by supporting 24/7 in-flight emergency operations for AFCENT’s largest Air Expeditionary Wing.”
Completion of the overhaul demonstrated the Wing’s commitment to innovation and resiliency, certifying all four systems to ensure safe and reliable barrier operations for the next 10 years.
“Each Airman will leave this deployment with invaluable knowledge about barrier overhauls for future operations,” said Black. “No matter what challenges engineers face, they will always find a way to persevere and complete the mission. Engineers lead the way!”
Story by Senior Airman Amanda Jett
United States Air Forces Central