Flight crew equipment maintainers ensure readiness at RARO 12

NAMEST AIR BASE, Czech Republic -- Senior Airman Brandon Keiper, 52nd Operations Support Squadron flight crew equipment maintainer, places a cover on the visor of an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot's helmet as part of a 30 day inspection Sept. 10, during Ramstein Rover 2012 here. During these inspections, equipment maintainers disassemble and clean flight equipment to ensure the parts are ready for flying missions. RARO 12 is a NATO partnership building exercise invlolving more than 16 nations. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 81st Fighter Squadron are participating in the exercise to provide close air support to partnering nations and practice forward air control missions with their NATO allies in international sercurity assistance force realistic scenarios. Participating in exercises like RARO 12 ensures effective employment of airpower in support of alliance or coallition forces while mitigating risks to civilians in contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natasha Stannard/Released)