Two U.S. Airmen from the 33rd Maintenance Squadron’s (MXS) Corrosion Control Section (CCS) at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida have revamped the site’s corrosion compound with a new media booth and blast cabinets. They are also working on renovating their paint booth.
According to the Air Force, the former CCS required extra steps and time to complete jobs. “People were making it happen,” said Technical Sgt. Jonathan Mercier, the noncommissioned officer in charge.
“However, they would drive across base, ask permission to use the contractor’s equipment on the 96th [Test Wing] side, blast the parts, and then clean the equipment,” Mercier added. “In the end, doing it that way would take a full work day.”
Improved Time Efficiency
By contrast, the newer equipment significantly reduces the time requirements and allows the two-man shop to complete tasks in only a few hours. As of March 2019, the media booth was on the verge of being completely certified and fully functional for larger-scale projects, according to the Air Force.
The Air Force believes the upgrades are significant as the wing looks forward to more preventive maintenance for its F-35A Lighting II fleet. As the Air Force and 33rd Fighter Wing receive the newest aircraft, they said it is crucial to keep each aircraft at peak performance from the earliest low-rate initial production cycle.
More Proactive Maintenance
“Right now, corrosion does not have a significant hindrance to the fleet, but it absolutely will be in the next five to 10 years,” said Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Coltrin, superintendent for the 33rd MXS. “By constantly upgrading and improving the CCS, the Airmen are an example on how to be proactive and innovative by having the foresight to predict issues that are going to affect the fleet in the future.”
The certification of the new media booth is the final item remaining for the revamped site to become fully functional. While the compound now shows significant improvement and increased capabilities, corrosion control section members said they plan to continue working together to upgrade equipment and improve processes wherever possible.
For more information, contact: 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, (850) 883-2216, www.dvidshub.net
