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380AEW Article

Deployed wing lays foundation for Airmen safety

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson
  • 380th AEW Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing oversaw the first day of construction on the new liquid and gas oxygen storage facility here Dec. 14.

The gaseous and liquid oxygen, referred to as GOX and LOX, is currently being stored in a hangar which poses a higher risk to Airmen and assets than if they were in a separate facility.

"The tanks were stored in the hangar because of the expediency associated with the expeditionary mission," said Lt. Col. Michael Shea, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "We've been diligently working on getting this resolved, so it's good to see the first blocks hit the pavement."

GOX and LOX are stored oxygen used not only in aircraft but in the medical field, as well. They are a key component of the high-altitude Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission the 380th AEW supports via the U-2 Dragon Lady, which flies at an average altitude of 60,000 feet.

"The oxygen tanks are not currently stored according to safety regulations but the new building will allow for proper storage while minimizing risk to personnel and property," according to Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Ketchum, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing ground safety manager. "Although the risk associated with the current storage does not impose undue risk, we take every opportunity to mitigate risk whenever possible."

The new building, constructed of concrete masonry, is expected to comprise two bays totaling 20x40 feet divided by a concrete wall. The bays will have garage-type rolling doors and a fire-suppression system, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning to allow for a temperature-controlled environment.

The contract was awarded in September after being put up for bid with local businesses, though the bid does not exclude contractors from outside the local area. The Air Force often uses local contractors to maintain community relations, boost local economies and provide jobs to locals. Laborers are referred to as third-country nationals and are escorted at all times when on an installation in the Area of Responsibility.

"Using local contractors usually makes it easier logistics-wise, as well. It tends to be easier to deal with a local contractor as far as setting up meetings, inspections, appointments, etc., than with someone who is out of the country," Staff Sgt. Arturo Castro said. Sergeant Arturo, deployed from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, calls Del Rio, Texas, home.

The Notice to Proceed was set for November, which brought on coordination for access to the installation, security clearances and preconstruction meetings before the first bricks were laid.

The new building, while providing a safer storage facility, will also cut down on maintenance, according to the Tampa, Fla., native, Staff Sgt. Jaime Lugo. Sergeant Lugo, is deployed to the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron from Dyess AFB, Texas, as an engineering assistant journeyman.

"The facility will reduce risk to personnel and equipment by removing the tanks from an aircraft maintenance hangar where they're currently housed," Sergeant Lugo said. "The maintenance pad is located directly adjacent to the new storage facility so cylinder maintenance and servicing can be done without transporting the cylinders. This reduces the service-turnaround time and safety hazards associated with the GOX and LOX."

The building is set to be completed April 4 at a cost of nearly $400,000.