LRS Airmen think outside the box

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz
  • 157th Air Reufling Wing Public Affairs
PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. --  Airmen from the 157th Logistics Readiness Squadron here replaced an engine earlier this week in a 157th Security Forces Squadron vehicle that needed immediate repair. The installation resulted in the Air National Guard saving more than $5,000 and ensuring the vehicle was returned to security forces faster.

The Airmen, all assigned to the Vehicle Maintenance Branch, replaced a Ford 5.4 liter V8 engine in a 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck.

"This is an example of innovative Airmen coming together to save the New Hampshire Air National Guard time and money," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel A. Demers. "In addition, Airmen came together and accomplished an important mission."

Demers explained that Airmen installed the engine by removing the cab of the pickup truck from the frame, which resulted in technicians being able to install it more efficiently.

Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Wood, a special purpose vehicle technician with LRS also participated in the engine swap.

"I'm proud that we were able to come together as a team and accomplish this," he said.

The team's junior member, Airman 1st Class Patrick R. Clifford, noted that by them completing their mission to repair the vehicle, security forces is able to accomplish theirs.

"Without these vehicles, security forces is not able to do what they need to do to keep the base safe," said Clifford.

Wood, a former member of the base honor guard team, discussed how pride is interconnected in whatever role he's in.

"Everyone on base utilizes the vehicles and equipment here," said Wood, who was responsible for sandblasting, cleaning and painting each of the external components to the engine. "There is a massive amount of pride here because we do the best job we can so units have the most reliable vehicles available to them."

He added that it's an example of how creative and motivated Airmen can make a difference.

"We don't just try to repair the vehicle, we try to improve them," Wood said. "It's an example of how LRS strives for excellence each and every day."