Working with tools

Tech. Sgt. Sterling Rosenau checks in a tool kit June 28, 2011, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The support section is responsible for tracking all tools used by the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. Sergeant Rosenau is an 18th AMU support section craftsman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman)

Working with tools

Staff Sgt. Michel Hebert inventories tools June 28, 2011, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit supply section is responsible for tracking and maintaining more than 26,700 tools. Sergeant Hebert is assigned to the 18th AMU supply section. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman)

Working with tools

Senior Airman Aleksandr Dolgikh turns in a flashlight along with the rest of his tools to Staff Sgt. Michel Hebert June 28, 2011, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Tools are checked out at the beginning and returned at the end of every shift to be logged into a computer database, ensuring that no tool is left unaccounted for. Airman Dolgikh is a crew chief assigned to the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. Sergeant Michel Hebert is assigned to the 18th AMU supply section. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman)

Working with tools

Published July 13, 2011
By Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Aircraft crew chiefs, system specialists and weapons loaders all perform different jobs to ensure aircraft are mission ready and it is the job of the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit support section to make sure they have the tools to make it happen.

The section is responsible for more than 26,700 tools, making sure they are accounted for and in working condition to keep Eielson's F-16 Fighting Falcons in the air. Tools can be anything from hoses and vacuums to torque wrenches and safety equipment.

A tool unaccounted for can ground any jet that it was used on, even if that means grounding the entire fleet. While Airmen are responsible for checking their tools back in before they leave for the day, the support section checks to make sure everything is returned.

"Without the checks and balances and our tool control system, things would inevitably get left inside or around an airplane and potentially cause an accident, some type of damage or personal injury," said Master Sgt. William Frost, 18th AMU support flight chief.

Every Airman is assigned a man number that they use to check out equipment. Each time a tool is checked out or turned in it is logged into the computer database, ensuring that no tool is left unaccounted for.

Though the shop may be small, they play a vital role in maintenance.

"I keep the aircraft flying through tool support. Without support to hand out tools, there would be no turning wrenches on the aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Sterling Rosenau, Support Section craftsman. "It's all an accountability measure."

Sergeant Rosenau primarily coordinates with the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory to periodically calibrate certain tools.

The shop is busiest during shift change but keeps a steady work flow throughout the day -- checking equipment, ensuring needed equipment has been ordered and scheduled inspections on tool boxes and equipment.

"Every day in here is non-stop," said Sergeant Frost.

Every job in the Air Force, whether it seems big or small, plays a vital role in making sure Airmen are safe and have the tools to accomplish the mission.