New base AFREP facility opens

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Wing leadership attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Air Force Repair Enhancement Program industrial facility here Jan. 10, 2012.

The AFREP facility moved from building 920 to building 196, enhancing operation efficiency.

"This new location is important because it brings us closer to our primary customers within the maintenance group," said Master Sgt. Frank Espinoza, 366th Maintenance Group AFREP manager.

First Lt. David Nelson, 366th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance officer-in-charge, agrees the new facility is ideal for maximum mission efficiency.

"The new location allows a one-stop shop experience by consolidating AFREP with the maintenance group," said Nelson.

The AFREP has been essential to mission success, repairing electronic equipment themselves as opposed to repairs traveling through costly separate entities.

"The AFREP has facilitated an increase in preparedness as well as higher aircraft availability rates, which translates to an increase in combat capabilities," said Col. James McClellan, 366th Maintenance Group commander.

The relocation of the AFREP facility also helps prepare the way for the upcoming demolition of building 1224.

"AFREP moving from building 920 will allow shops including electrical and environmental, hydraulics and egress to move from building 1224 to 920, allowing the ultimate goal of building 1224 to be demolished," said Nelson. "Building 1224 will then be replaced by the consolidated maintenance training facility, which is a $17 million, 77,000 square-foot mega-complex," said Nelson.

The AFREP continues to be a postive example of cost efficiency that has a direct impact on mission success.

"The AFREP facilitates greater innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness, and this is exactly what we must be doing in these fiscally challenging times," said McClellan.

For more information on the new AFREP facility, contact 1st Lt. David Nelson at (208) 828-2119.