The noise over Fresno State

Any student or faculty member who walks around Fresno State is likely to hear the loud roar of jet engines flying overhead. However, unlike passenger aircraft that are commonly heard, these are the sounds of military aircraft. More specifically F-15s of the 144th Fighter Wing based out of Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Being that Fresno is the central hub for all things agriculture, having a military airbase is important to protecting the nation’s fruit basket along with securing the entire Pacific Coast of North America.

Captain Jason Sanchez has been part of the 144th Fighter Wing for over seven years and understands the noise associated with having military aircraft flying over Fresno.

“They are very loud,” Sanchez says.

The importance of jets patrolling the skies over Fresno is not merely to make noise and cause a commotion, they are setting out on their designated missions.

“Basically, we have a role in protecting the skies of the United States,” Sanchez says. “And that’s one of the major reasons why the pilots are flying so often is the pilots need to maintain a number of flying hours to take on any threat if one arises.”

These aircraft are only as good as the men and women who work on them such as crew chief Michael Schiefer.

“So my role as a crew chief usually maintains jets making sure they go up when they are supposed to go up,” Schiefer says. Sending them out, launching them, and then recovering when they come back so that they are ready to fly the next day.”

Additionally, he added that he understands the loud noise associated with the jets flying over Fresno State and feels for the students and faculty as well.