Aircraft Painting
Airman 1st Class Mitchell Groh demonstrates the technique used to paint a centerline tank while working in the painting bay of the 127th Maintenance Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Sept. 15, 2012. In this instance, Groh is using water in his spray gun to simulate the application of paint, due to the presence of the photographer in the painting area. While maintenance Airmen at the base said the paint on an aircraft plays a major role in corrosion control and has other benefits, they also take a great deal of pride in the appearance of the aircraft they maintain. The centerline tank is used by A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the base as an additional, external fuel tank when the aircraft must make long treks, such as a trip overseas. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Robert Hanet)