Jets cannot fly without supply

Photo By Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Samuel San Pedro, an aircraft parts store apprentice with the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, checks the Enterprise Solutions System for a list of requested items at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 20, 2016. The system is used for requesting parts between aircraft maintenance and supply personnel. ESS contains a list of every item in stock as well as a list of items to be pulled for issue. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert)  

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

09.23.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert 

35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --
There are several shops within the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron tasked with providing responsive logistics support to the F-16 Fighting Falcons’ worldwide expeditionary operations.

Amongst the shops is the aircraft parts store and the individuals who oversee every item being attached to an F-16.

“We are a shop that strictly deals with aircraft parts,” said Airman 1st Class Corey Huckins, a 35th LRS aircraft parts store journeyman. “We provide 24/7, 365 days a year logistical support for the 13th and 14th Aircraft Maintenance Units, in addition to other flightline shops.”

Huckins explained that the shop maintains, delivers and inventories all aircraft parts for the F-16. If AMU personnel require an item, they request it through the Enterprise Solution Supply system, notifying the supply store to pull from stock and prepare it for delivery.

“If we cannot get the parts out to the jets and they do not fly, then the mission cannot be completed,” said Airman 1st Class Shawn Henry, a 35th LRS flight service center apprentice. “You cannot fly without supply.”

Henry added the F-16 contains more than $18 million worth of pieces per aircraft; if a piece is missing or broken, it could potentially cause a crash or a loss of life.

“We always make sure everything is always ready,” said Henry. “No matter what it is and what time they need it, we will always support flightline maintenance.”

Huckins explained the jets cannot deploy without spare parts, so mobility kits are continuously maintained to ensure they are mission ready.

“Mobility kits are used to store additional assets for deployments,” said Huckins. “It is the same as having a miniature warehouse with the F-16s.”

With the items of both the warehouse and mobility kits, they handle approximately 5,700 line items, costing roughly $29 million.

Although the APS Airmen know their importance to the mission at Misawa, Henry believes there is another take away from getting the job done.

“Knowing your importance to the Air Force definitely makes you feel good,” said Henry. “I feel like I am serving for a greater cause.”

• Date Taken: 09.23.2016
• Date Posted: 10.23.2016 22:21
• Story ID: 212675
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP