The 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Fire and Refueler Maintenance team gathered to work on vehicles with wing leaders at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Nov. 16.
Col. Kevin Eastland, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, came out to visit with the FARM team and see exactly how dirty their job was. The primary focus for the morning was completing a service order for a Kovatch R-11 fuel truck, which gave Eastland a first-hand idea.
“A problem was recognized with the tank sump on the R-11’s,” said Staff Sgt. Jory, FARM vehicle maintainer. “Cracks were forming along some edges, so the manufacturer is sending out kits Air Force-wide to re-inforce those edges.”
Jory and his team have already completed work on 14 R-11 fuel trucks, making this the last truck requiring the kit application.
“These trucks are very important to the mission,” said Jory. “If too many of them go down, we have to work constantly until they are operational again.”
The maintenance crew guided Eastland through preparing the outer edges of the sump, stripping the existing paint off and thoroughly cleaning the surface.
Once the sump was prepared, an industrial acrylic adhesive was applied to the angle beams, which were then attached to the edges of the sump. With the angle beams in place, clamps were applied to create a tight seal and allow for proper curing of the adhesive.
“This is the best part of my day,” said Eastland, “I like to get out and meet the Airmen that are supporting the mission and see what they do.”
The morning wasn’t over, as Eastland a was offered the chance to help change a tire on one of the fire trucks that was there for maintenance.
“I don’t think I’ve seen any of us remove the lock ring on those tires that fast,” said Senior Airman Alex, FARM vehicle maintainer, in response to Capt. Jennifer’s, 380th AEW executive officer, energy while removing the rim from the tire.
Eastland wrapped up the morning by encouraging the FARM team. “All of the work that you guys are doing every day is what advances the mission out there. We can’t continue the mission on the flight line without the work you are doing here.”