Photo By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Rivera | The 139th Logistics Readiness Squadron acquired a new snowblower from Whiteman Air...... read more read more
The 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard recently acquired a snowblower from Whiteman Air Force Base, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars through an innovative reuse effort.
The new equipment, now stationed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, replaces a snowblower that had become inoperable after its engine failed. Rather than purchasing a brand-new unit, which would have cost an estimated $750,000, the wing coordinated with Whiteman Air Force Base to repurpose a serviceable snowblower that was set to be recycled.
“This was a total team effort,” said Senior Master Sgt. Rob Ward, ground transportation superintendent with the 139th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “We used existing Air Force resources and the experience of our personnel to make this happen safely and efficiently.”
Ward credited the collaboration between active-duty and Guard units for the success, noting that the transfer not only conserved funds but also strengthened relationships between installations. The transport of the 59,000-pound snowblower was handled internally by the 139th team, saving more than $20,000 in shipping costs.
“It’s a great example of how we can work together as one Air Force,” Ward said.
Ward stated, “by repurposing equipment already in the system, we’re being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while keeping our runway mission-ready.”
The snowblower, essential for maintaining clear runways during winter operations, ensures aircraft can operate safely during severe weather or national emergencies.
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2025 15:52 |
| Story ID: | 550595 |
| Location: | SAINT JOSEPH, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 207 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Airmen Save Funds by Repurposing Snowblower for 139th Airlift Wing, by TSgt Andrew Rivera, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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