A little 'OT' to make your life 'EZ'

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The shifts are long and tasks grueling, but for one team of supply Airmen, gratification comes in teamwork, motivation and in knowing the fruits of their labors will be shared by an entire fighter wing.

Ten months after the ribbon was cut, officially opening Building 1132 as the Mountain Home Air Force Base Logistics Readiness Center, assigned 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen are assembling the complex shelving and bench-stock systems, one step away from moving F-15E Strike Eagle parts and components into the warehouse, where the buildings main purpose will come to fruition.

The LRC is an 80,000 square ft. modern facility, and is already home to Airmen from nine different Air Force specialties and all base supply operations, except individual protective equipment and hazardous materials.

The building's potential hasn't yet been utilized because there were leaks in the roof, which could have jeopardized the hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of F-15 parts set to be stored there, said Kevin Curl, 366th LRS Material Management Flight chief.

A watertight seal was put on the roof, and now supplies can be moved in, said Curl, a retired chief master sergeant who's worked here since July 1999.

 Airman 1st Class Delsa Saseve, a 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management apprentice from Reno, Nev., assembles dividers on an supply cabinet at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 19, 2013. The divider was one of thousands on a complex automated, rotating bench-stock system, which Saseve and other Airmen are assembling to complete a state-of-the-art consolidated supply warehouse, which will house F-15E Strike Eagle parts and components. However, Saseve doesn't view each piece she assembles in their simplicity; rather she relishes in stepping back at the end of a long shift and looking at everything she completed, thinking,
"The supply portion of LRS is currently housed in six separate facilities. This move will enable the consolidation of most supply operations," said Curl. "Co-location of all supply operations under one roof will streamline daily work processes and should increase overall supply efficiency."

Centrally located logistics not only provides more convenient support for internal customers, but eases the supply process for the whole wing.

Curl's team, commanded by Capt. Sarah Allen, is expected to begin moving parts in Sept. 23, and the warehouse should be stocked, and up-and-running before Christmas, said Curl.

"There'll be minimal, if any, effect to daily operations from a customer's prospective as a result of this move," said Curl.

The Airmen are working normal shifts, and then contributing an additional two to three hours after normal duty shifts, to complete the state-of-the-art consolidated supply warehouse.

Some people may consider two or more hours tacked on to the end of a full-work day to be a nuisance. According to one Airman, it's a burden worth bearing.

"I relish in stepping back at the end of a long shift and looking at everything I completed, thinking, 'I made that,'" said Airman 1st Class Delsa Saseve, a 366th LRS material management apprentice from Reno, Nev. "It keeps me motivated to put in my all on, and after, each shift and every day."

Curl agreed; and had a message for fellow Gunfighters.

"A move of this size is a time-consuming endeavor and we thank you all in advance for your patience," Curl said. "Once the move is complete, efficiency of operations will be easily recognized throughout the wing."

The Aircraft Parts Store will be operating as normal from Building 1361, said Curl. Advanced notice will be provided prior to the Parts Store relocating to Building 1132. The 366th LRS Customer Support Element will send updates to supply customers as they shift to different phases of the move; however, customers are always welcome to contact them directly by calling (208) 828-6116 or 3820.

 Airman 1st Class Charleesiama Green (right), a 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management apprentice from Baltimore, assembles dividers on an automated, rotating bench-stock supply cabinet at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 19, 2013. Airman 1st Class Delsa Saseve, from Reno, Nev., assists her with the task. Green and her teammates are working overtime to complete a state-of-the-art consolidated supply warehouse, scheduled to be complete in late December 2013. Green takes pride in knowing at the end of a 10- to 12-hour shift, she's accomplished something bigger than her, something that will impact the entire 366th Fighter Wing, she said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Airman 1st Class John Brantley, a Tampa, Fla., native, aligns a ladder handrail as Air Force Tech. Sgt. Harold Andrews, from Idabel, Okla., oversees the task at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 19, 2013. Both Airmen are assigned to the 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Flight, whose members are working overtime to complete a state-of-the-art consolidated supply warehouse, scheduled to be complete in late December 2013. Brantley, who hails from an 'Air Force family,' and who's sister is also currently serving in the Air Force, is lauded by his teammates and supervisors as a motivated, go-getter Airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
 Tech. Sgt. Harold Andrews, a 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management craftsman from Idabel, Okla., stabilizes a ladder brace as three of his subordinate Airmen bolt down and secure the braces. As a 366th LRS NCO, Andrews oversees and assists in tasks, while ensuring safety, good order, and discipline are maintained, as his flight works two to three hours after normal duty shifts to complete a state-of-the-art consolidated supply warehouse, which will house hundreds of millions of dollars in F-15E Strike Eagle parts and components. Though his Airmen remain motivated during their extended shifts, NCOs are vital in keeping the team focused and safe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)
Airman 1st Class Jimaurice Lenon, a 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management apprentice from Pensacola, Fla., tightens down a retaining bolt at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 19, 2013. The bolt was one of millions in a complex shelving system, which Lenon and other Airmen are assembling to complete a state-of-the-art consolidated supply warehouse, which will house F-15E Strike Eagle parts and components. Lenon and his teammates must ensure each bolt, every brace and all components are constructed correctly, as the safety of their fellow Airmen and hundreds of millions of dollars in aircraft parts rely on their precision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)