354th AMXS: pioneers of bright future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura Goodgame
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  In an effort to save money and create a safe and improved work environment, the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is replacing their current light bulbs with new General Electric multi-vapor lamp light bulbs in all of the F-16 hangers. 

"The old lighting system did not provide our bays with adequate illumination to perform safe, quality maintenance," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Boyles, 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Unit Safety Representative. 

The previous bulbs used were dim and cast an orange color in the bays. They also failed after only a few months of use, creating a consistent workload for the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron swapping out light bulbs. 

The original proposed estimate to replace the entire lighting fixtures with new lighting systems was  approximately $250,000. However, Maj. Chris Boring, 354th AMXS commander, proposed a new idea-- instead of ripping out the existing wiring and lighting fixtures, they would use a different light bulb that would burn brighter. 

The 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conducted a trial run with the new bulbs in two of the bays for two months.

"The new bulbs were brighter, none failed, and there was no loss of illumination over time," said Sergeant Boyles. "The bulbs alone were able to meet our requirements; we felt no need to continue the plan to replace the fixtures." 

After the initial testing was conducted, Brig. Gen. Mark W. Graper approved funding to have all 12 bays outfitted with the better, brighter lighting . 

The project required replacement of 314 light bulbs with a total cost of $13,000 for initial installation. The new bulbs have an annual maintenance cost of $2,695, compared to the current system cost of $15,675. The squadron will save approximately $12,980 per year in maintenance costs. 

"This was a necessary improvement in the work place," said Major Boring, "The quality of the new lights keeps the Airmen from having to work in the dim light of the retired bulbs."