458th LRS proves it can repair anywhere, anytime
Air Force Print News
Release Date: 09 May 2003
By Master Sgt. Ron Tull, 458th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania (USAFENS) -- The logistics readiness concept of operations is being put to its first test in every corner of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Romania it's given transportation the ability to "repair anywhere."
"Because of this new CONOP, we're getting direct interaction with what used to be the 'other' squadron," said Master Sgt. Michael Chasteen, 458th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance supervisor.
The concept, which started Oct. 1, 2002, brings transportation, fuels, supply and logistics planning all under one commander.
"It makes our job easier when you have a good grasp of the supply system," Chasteen said.
That knowledge of the supply system was used to acquire a new motor for a P-19 fire truck that stopped running shortly after arriving here.
The integration of transportation and logistics helped the 458th ELRS receive a Cummins Turbo-Charged Diesel Engine from a depot in Alabama just two weeks after ordering.
When the squadron confirmed the motor was on its way, they planned how they would make the swap.
The task fell to Staff Sgt. Steven Holloway, who specializes in working on fire trucks, and a small crew of mechanics.
"If we were at a normal base this wouldn't be as hard. We would have an overhead crane in our garage, an engine stand and most importantly pneumatic air tools," Holloway said.
"We arrived with very basic tools because we were originally headed for a different location."
That's where the synergy of the LRS came in. The mechanics in transportation were able to quickly order everything they needed to get up and running. What they lacked in equipment, they made up for with know-how.
The dead P-19 engine took about six and a half hours to disconnect from the fire truck.
After securing the nearly 3,000 pound engine with chains, it was hooked up to the block and tackle of a seven and a half ton crane. Moments later it was free and carefully delivered to its resting place on some wooden pallets.
However, the job isn't complete yet. The new motor will take more than twelve hours to install.
"We're performing depot-level maintenance with hand tools," Chasteen said. "At depot, this truck would get a total overhaul."
The 458th ELRS motor pool is situated across from the Romanian military motor pool.
"The Romanians came over and did some welding for us before we got our tools," said Capt. James Kodat, the commander of the 458 ELRS.
"That helped us a lot," he said. "The garage is getting better everyday. Our compressor is installed and we're putting air pipes in the garage bays. Maybe if there's a 'next-time' they won't have to do such a major repair with hand tools. Meantime, we've proven that the combination logistics and transportation is an effective concept."
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