LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia –
It’s like the ultimate second time around store, only they fix aircraft parts and various other things around base that keep Langley up and running instead of granddad’s old fishing pole.
The Air Force Repair Enhancement Program optimizes and maximizes the warfighting capability of the 1st Fighter Wing by repairing items that otherwise would be thrown away and replaced.
AFREP is the last stop on the way to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office, said AFREP Program Manager Master Sgt. Romel Perry.
The members are specially trained to fix things that others around base are not. They repair items ranging from flightline equipment to video recorders, flameholders to 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron tire mounts.
“We fix things that would normally be thrown away or would be contracted out,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Bennet, an AFREP technician. “That includes stuff like the menu boards at the dining facility and the base marquees.”
The program began after a model of Goldflag, a Naval program designed to eliminate equipment waste.
“Fixing things saves the Air Force a lot of money.” said Tech. Sgt. Noel Cole, an AFREP tech.
Since October, the Air Force program has already saved $615,000.
Along with the money saved comes self-sufficiency and expedience.
“If the flightline needs an item and it’s broken, we can fix it right away,” said Staff Sgt.
Reubien Flores, an AFREP tech. “This keeps them from having to order a new one.”
Sergeant Perry emphasized how this program keeps the base independent of outside help.
“Basically, this helps the base be more self-sufficient,” he said, “and helps the items get back on the flightline in shorter time.”
While the AFREP office doesn’t fix everything that’s broken, any contract work solicited to help is monitored closely by the team, ensuring the best job is done for the lowest price and the shortest time.
“We get things that warranties have run out on,” said Sergeant Flores. “We also coordinate proper contractors to do things we can’t, ensuring they’re qualified for the job.”
Military equipment repair requires certain certifications, and the team ensures any outside organization assisting in the maintenance is properly qualified to do that job.
AFREP is the last stop in the processing line for equipment, ensuring all can be done with items bought on the taxpayer’s dollar before their trip to the big DRMO in the sky.