“Since they’re the ones who actually operate the vehicles, they usually have good insight on what problems the vehicles have.” “We rely on strong communication and coordination with other units like the civil engineer and aircraft maintenance squadrons,” said Downen. The staff uses time management and meticulous planning to ensure a smooth workflow. Scheduling maintenance times to align with part arrival times is just one way the staff uses their problem-solving skills to maximize productivity. “It might be weeks before we get a quote back from a vendor.” “Sourcing parts is one of the biggest challenges we face,” said Downen. Vehicle maintenance is not just physical work.Ī large portion of the vehicle fleet are highly specialized vehicles and sourcing certain parts can stretch from days to weeks. Routine annual maintenance consists of replacement of filters, fluids, lubricants, hoses and window wiper blades. The second and longest phase is the problem-solving phase. Thorough inspection of just a single vehicle can take one or two workdays. In the first phase each vehicle undergoes an extensive, multipoint inspection to determine what repairs are needed. Dustin Downen, 436th LRS base maintenance shop supervisor. “Honestly, we’re always busy, but when the summer rebuild starts we just get busier.” said Staff Sgt.
This winterization of vehicles include mission-essential maintenance to 10 runway snow removal vehicles, 19 aircraft deicers and 13 support vehicles. In anticipation for the winter season, the 436th LRS Vehicle Maintenance shop performs a summer rebuild of more than 180 vehicles. Ensuring the flight line and mission-capable aircraft are clear of snow and ice reduces the risk of unsafe aircraft launches and touchdowns. These vehicles are key to preventing airlift mission stoppage during and after winter storms. At Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, the cold winter weather lasts only part of the year, but recovering and preparing for inclement weather is a year-round mission. As this year’s winter season approaches, the 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron is working around the clock to ensure Team Dover’s fleet of snow vehicles are ready to keep the flight line and roads clear of ice and snow during the winter months.
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