Protecting Air Force resources, ammo is there

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Airmen from the 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron participated in a 100 percent semi-annual inventory of all munitions Sept. 2-5 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

This inventory, which is an event held twice a year, accounts for all munitions under the supervision of the Munitions Flight.

"The significance of this inventory is actually bigger than most because we are changing our Munitions Accountability Systems Officer," said Tech. Sgt. Erik Solosabal, 366th EMS NCO in charge of munitions operations. "Right now we are swapping our MASO out so we are doing a blind inventory which consists of going through all of our structures and writing everything down. This is a little bit more involved, plus it gives us a chance to verify any discrepancies out there."

With more than 32 million dollars in munitions, it's vital to perform an accurate inventory of equipment.

"The 100 percent munitions stockpile inventory is important to me because throughout the year we are so busy maintaining flight line daily expenditures," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Muffler, 366th EMS conventional maintenance inspector. "Ensuring the custodians have their required munitions I think we can lose sight of the things that go into the maintenance stockpile to include the intricate markings for storage and shipment of the munitions."

Airmen from different sections have an opportunity to better communicate with other Airmen.

"The inventory allows me as a senior NCO to interact with Airmen and NCOs from other elements," said Master Sgt. Daniel Mann, 366th EMS NCO in charge of conventional maintenance. "It also fosters teamwork to complete the inventory in a timely manner to reduce the down time of munitions support to non-mission essential operations."

The inventory is an opportunity for the NCOs to pass their knowledge on to Airmen. Airman 1st Class Hailey Frerichs, 366th EMS munitions operations crew member, explained working together makes sure everyone pays attention to how others are conducting inventories and also helps Airmen work with each other and supervisors.

"This allows me to network with other shops on a day-to-day basis and it creates an environment where I am able to teach others about some of the inspections I've done," said Muffler.

Mann explained Ammo troops not only act as the personnel who are responsible for assembling the munitions required for the mission, but also as the supply troops in storing and accounting for the hundreds, and more often than not, thousands of line items in the base munitions stockpile.

"We are also responsible for the maintenance, security and inspection of all those assets as well ensuring they are serviceable when called for," said Mann. "It guarantees the Air Force can complete its mission in protecting the interests of the United States."