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MXG consolidation saves time, money, manpower

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mackenzie Richardson
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulic systems back shop was consolidated with the 92nd Maintenance Squadron hydraulic shop March 1, to help create more efficient hydraulic repairs and in-turn, reduce the overall manning required.

The 92nd Maintenance Group consolidated their two separate hydraulic shops into one; saving time, money on training, operations and facilities, and in the process, transferring more than 30 Airmen from 92nd AMXS to 92nd MXS.

"This consolidation benefits Fairchild and the Air Force by creating and training a more well-rounded maintainer," said Tech. Sgt. Dustin Garneau, 92nd MXS hydraulics back shop assistant NCO in charge. "We've had to come together, make a plan and discuss how we will assist the flight line during daily operations, launches and alert, and also support the back shop with rebuilding parts and the periodic inspection process. Using the proper management allows us to put maintainers in the right place at the right time."

The hydraulics shop, often referred to as 'hydro,' inspects, tests, services and overhauls hydraulic and aerial refueling components on the KC-135 Stratotanker. During periodic inspections, hydro performs inspections on all aircraft hydraulics systems and associated in-flight refueling systems. Hydro on the KC-135 encompasses almost every system to include: landing gear, hydraulic steering, aircraft brakes, flight controls and more. Hydro also performs all the maintenance on the Multi-Point Refueling System, also known as MPRS Pods.

Originally, 92nd AMXS hydro Airmen have been trained to conduct flight line troubleshooting for leaks that can potentially keep the KC-135 grounded and now they're learning all about what it means to be a back shop.

"Merging the shops have allowed for there to be more people available and for manning to be spread more evenly amongst flight line and the back shop," said Senior Airman Steven Richichi, 92nd MXS hydraulics journeyman. "Overall, this has made it possible for Airmen to become more versatile hydraulics journeymen. Now when they change stations, they will be prepared for whatever position they are put into."

The new consolidated hydro shop has made training more effective, Airmen more knowledgeable about their career field and has saved time and money for various base operations. The shop is currently in the process of moving from their 3,500 square foot space to something more fitting for the 60 plus Airmen who now call hydro home.