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62nd MXS munitions flight pitches AFSO21 idea to AMC

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
The 62nd Maintenance Squadron's munitions flight recently came up with a plan to not only centralize its daily administrative and operational functions, but also limit the base population's exposure to dangerous explosives.

The plan--which was generated as part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century event--calls for moving the flight's operations from the 300 area south of Outer Drive to the 800 area north of Whispering Firs Golf Course.

62nd MXS officials briefed Gen. Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, Wednesday in order to help procure AFSO21 project funding to help construct the buildings that will house the new operations center.

If funded through the Air Force's AFSO21 office, the plan would not only help McChord realize huge cost savings in operational and maintenance dollars, but have other benefits as well, said Maj. Alesia Quiton, 62nd MXS commander.

"This is, to my knowledge, the first AFSO21 event that actually generates a revenue stream," Major Quiton said. "By transforming the munitions maintenance and inspection area into long term storage rental and RV rental slots, it has the potential to generate $155,000 per year indefinitely."

In addition to the revenue the newly vacated space would bring to the base, there would also be a significant safety aspect added to the overall base population by cutting down on the transportation of explosives, said Master Sgt. Wesley Colberg, 62nd MXS.

"By moving operations, we're simply reducing the transportation miles of any weapons across the base," Sergeant Colberg said.

The flight currently racks up nearly 7,000 miles per year transporting weapons back and forth from operations in the 300 area to the 800 area, he said.

One centralized location for everything would save the flight nearly 5,000 transportation miles per year.

"That's a significant change," Sergeant Colberg said.

If the squadron is able to get the money to build the new building, it would serve as a welcome sight to many in the flight.

"It's been a long time coming for us ... it was just a pipe dream at first," Sergeant Colberg said. "We're pretty excited."

Major Quiton said the plan is a collaborative effort between those who want to improve the way everyone does business.

"We had a cross-functional team from five squadrons across two groups participating in this event, and they came up with some amazing ideas," she said.