About this Unit
**Jet Engine and Aircraft Field Maintenance, Craig AFB: Unit History**
At Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama, the Jet Engine and Aircraft Field Maintenance unit played a pivotal role from the 1950s through the base’s closure in 1977. Tasked with supporting the Air Training Command’s pilot training mission, the unit was responsible for the inspection, repair, and overhaul of jet engines and airframes, primarily servicing T-33 Shooting Stars, T-37 Tweets, and T-38 Talons. The skilled maintainers ensured aircraft remained mission-ready, enabling thousands of student pilots to safely complete their training each year. Their dedication to aircraft reliability and quick-turnaround maintenance was a cornerstone of Craig AFB’s reputation as a premier pilot training facility during the Cold War era.
Historical Facts
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Craig AFB’s Role: Craig Air Force Base, located in Selma, Alabama, was a significant USAF pilot training base from World War II until its closure in 1977. Its jet engine and aircraft field maintenance units were crucial for the operation and longevity of the base’s advanced trainer aircraft.
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T-33 and T-37 Maintenance: The field maintenance teams regularly serviced T-33 Shooting Star and T-37 Tweet jet trainers, ensuring these aircraft were kept in peak condition for continuous training operations.
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Engine Overhaul Expertise: Craig AFB’s maintenance units were recognized for their expertise in overhauling and repairing the Allison J33 and Continental-Teledyne J69 jet engines, frequently used in their trainer fleet.
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24/7 Operations: Field maintenance often operated around the clock, especially during periods of heightened pilot production, to meet the high sortie rates demanded by the Air Training Command.
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Innovative Troubleshooting: The maintenance crews at Craig AFB were known for developing innovative troubleshooting techniques for recurring jet engine issues, some of which were later adopted at other USAF training bases.
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Safety Achievements: The base’s field maintenance unit received multiple safety awards for maintaining an excellent record of accident-free engine changes and repairs—critical for both pilot safety and mission success.
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Vietnam War Surge: During the Vietnam War, Craig AFB increased its pilot output, and its maintenance units played a vital role in supporting this effort by keeping the training aircraft fleet mission-ready despite increased flying hours.
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Women in Maintenance: In the 1970s, Craig AFB became one of the early Air Force installations to integrate women into its aircraft maintenance teams, helping pave the way for greater gender inclusion in technical military fields.
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Engine Change Record: The field maintenance unit at Craig AFB set a base record by completing a full jet engine change on a T-37 Tweet in under three hours, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and technical proficiency.
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Legacy of Training: Many airmen who served in jet engine and aircraft field maintenance at Craig AFB went on to instruct or lead maintenance operations at other major USAF installations, spreading their expertise throughout the Air Force.
