Staff Sgt. Edwin Portan, 33rd Operations Support Squadron

Staff Sgt. Edwin Portan, 33rd Operations Support Squadron F-35 Lightning II aircrew flight equipment continuation training instructor, teaches students about the thicker and heavier material used for the new IRVIN-GQ 6000 parachute during a water survival class on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 30, 2014. Portan created a floatation device from PVC pipes that prevents the parachute from sinking to the bottom of the pool while students complete their training. The octagon-shaped floatation device creates an effective training environment that provides students with a more closely simulated water landing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marleah Robertson)