HONOLULU – Maintenance Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard have revolutionized F-22 Raptor maintenance by developing customized stands at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
The project, the result of nearly five years of collaboration with the National Guard Bureau, delivers a safer and more efficient solution for accessing the aircraft’s hard-to-reach areas on one of the world’s most capable stealth aircraft.
The effort began in 2019 when Master Sgt. Scott Kamali’i, 154th Maintenance Squadron low observable aircraft structural maintenance supervisor, and his team identified a critical need to replace outdated and problematic equipment for routine aircraft maintenance. With safety and functionality as top priorities, the team created a design that met the unique demands of the F-22’s maintenance requirements.
“Our Airmen needed something more reliable and user-friendly than ladders and makeshift platforms,” Kamali’i said. “We saw an opportunity to solve a longstanding issue and improve working conditions for maintainers.”
Progress on the project faced setbacks in 2020 but gained momentum when fellow LOA/ASM specialist Master Sgt. Preston Yockeman discovered a potential solution at a tool convention. Armed with new insights, Yockeman collaborated with Kamali’i to refine the proposal and push the project forward.
“Maintenance on the F-22 comes with unique challenges, and we knew we couldn’t settle for one-size-fits-all solutions,” Yockeman said. “We needed something designed with our maintainers in mind.”
After years of refining their design and exchanging more than 300 emails, the team secured crucial support from the NGB procurement section. Their persistence culminated in the approval of the final prototype, paving the way for full deployment in September.
The maintenance stands are tailored to the F-22’s sleek and angular profile, wrapping around the sharp wings and fuselage and creating a stable and spacious work platform. The design minimizes the risk of accidental damage to the aircraft while enabling maintainers to move freely and safely perform their duties.
“These stands are a game changer,” Kamali’i said. “They’re not just safer, but they also reduce downtime, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall quality of life for our maintainers.”
Before the introduction of the new stands, maintenance crews relied on passive fall protection systems such as guardrails and standard work stands, which provided limited accessibility and security.
“It helps us work more efficiently, reduces strain and improves our quality of life,“ said Airman 1st Class Ashley Blanco, a low-observable specialist. “Having the right tools helps us perform better, and that motivates us to reenlist.”
The design process was a collaborative effort involving contractors, project managers, and Guard and active-duty personnel. Input from maintainers at all levels ensured the stands met four critical criteria: form, fit, function and safety.
As the new stands gained attention, their adoption spread across units, significantly improving maintenance operations and aircraft readiness. The project’s success demonstrates the power of teamwork and innovation in addressing challenges within military operations.
“This initiative didn’t just address a safety issue,” said Maj. Zachary Chang, 154th Maintenance Squadron deputy commander. “It set the stage for future advancements in how we approach maintenance. It’s a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our Airmen.”