Repair Enhancement Program benefits Eielson

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Repairing broken objects may be more cost effective than buying the same product new. The Air Force Repair Enhancement Program does exactly that, fixes broken parts that in turn benefit the base in many ways.

The opportunity to repair items that have been previously condemned or red tagged has been given to an Airman from the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flight.

Tech. Sergeant Kevin Marshall is the program manager assigned to the 354 AMXS Air Force repair enhancement program. In this one-man shop, Sergeant Marshall takes red tagged items and attempts to fix them instead of buying new equipment. By recycling items that can be repaired, the 354 AMXS is actively using equipment to the fullest capability.

Eielson previously had a repair enhancement program which was terminated in 2007. After the potential to save the Air Force time and money was seen, the program was restarted.

As a newly re-initiated program, the base is attempting to refurbish broken items that would normally have been sent to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office where they become scrap metal.

"AFREP is a great program for Eielson to save money and resources, but more importantly to avoid reductions in aircraft or equipment availability due to a lack of parts," said Col. Bryan Manes, 354th Maintenance Group commander. "It will enhance our capabilities here while also allowing us to focus resources on other needs."

Before resources are spent, research is done to evaluate the feasibility, availability and cost effectiveness of repairing the part. If the data proves it would be beneficial, repairs are made using the required guidance.

"By doing this we optimize Air Force resources without risk to mission performance," said Sergeant Marshall.

Sergeant Marshall works steadily to fix the machinery delivered to him. If he is unable to fix the object he finds another source to fix it.

"The program encourages innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness by allowing organizations to identify consumable items for base or contract repair," said Sergeant Marshall.

The participants in this program are not limited to the 354 AMXS. Any base operations that have red tagged items may submit them to the repair enhancement program.

Eielson has saved approximately $200,000 since January, when the program was restored.

In addition to monetary advantages, benefits include faster turnaround times, avoiding Mission-Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts, and keeping hard to find parts in the Air Force inventory.

The proactive approach taken by Eielson will be a benefit to the base and the Air Force as we integrate new ways to conserve resources.