Air National Guard unit's propulsion element creates powerful Esprit de Corps

ATLANTIC CITY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.J. --

The Engine Test Cell Facility, also referred to as the “Hush House”, is a multi-function building used to perform diagnostic, troubleshooting and follow-on maintenance testing on uninstalled engines and perform high powered installed engine testing while the engine is in the F-16 aircraft.

Every unit around the country that has a test cell facility has the same cookie cutter design and equipment.

The 177th propulsion element wanted something more and put in the time and effort to create something special in their facility.

“The main thing is that it was a way to add your own personal pride in the Unit, the State and the Country,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Georgieff, 177th propulsion technician. “We incorporated the flag, stars and the jersey devil symbol.”

The painting was a collaboration between full-time technicians and traditional drill status guardsmen.

“I made the design and the stencils and taped out the lines for the flag graphics and the stars,” said Staff Sgt. Timothy Hinlicky, propulsion systems journeyman. “I got the traditional guardsmen and federal technicians to get together and do something prideful for the base.”

The project provides a reminder for the unit members, every day, of just how amazing it is to be able to work on such a complex, powerful and important military machine.