The U.S. Air Force (Washington, DC) has enlisted a team of civil engineers at its Okinawa Island base in Japan to rinse down aircraft in order to prevent corrosion.
Based in Kadena, Japan, members of the Air Force’s 18th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) Water and Fuels System Maintenance (WFSM) team ensure the aircraft rinse system, known as “birdbath,” is ready for use by aircraft at the Kadena Air Base.
The birdbath plays a key role in maintaining top performance of the aircraft. Without it, the elements present in the Asia-Pacific region would corrode the jets to a point of disuse, the Air Force says.
“The birdbath is very important because the natural elements can affect the plane once it flies,” says Staff Sgt. Edward Adade, a technician with the 18th CES WFSM team. “This could increase the corrosion on the planes, which could cost the Air Force a lot of money. This system is the best method for corrosion control, because we’re just using regular water to rinse the planes.”
The process works like a water fountain, the Air Force explains. Approaching aircraft trigger a sensor, and the water rises for a certain amount of time.
“The aircraft drive on the pressure plate, [and] once the pressure plate is triggered, it kicks on the pumps,” Adade says. “The pumps send water through the ballast tanks, and then it sprays the water to wash the plane off.”
Although the system is sensor-driven, WFSM team members often check the station powering the birdbath. Senior Airman Jeffrey Kirkham, a journeyman with the 18th CES WFSM team, says his fellow team members will check certain pumps for functionality and monitor the system for consistency.
The water used to rinse the aircraft is chemical-free and goes through a filtration system before its next use, fulfilling a dual purpose of saving money and helping the environment.
“This has been a really unique experience,” Kirkham says. “This is one of the largest WFSM shops in the Air Force. I’ve seen a lot during my time here. I’ve learned to adapt to a situation and overcome it because of the unique situation we have here in Okinawa.”