Patrick auto hobby shop achieves Air Force first

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick Brown
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  The 45th Services Squadron auto hobby shop earned the highest honor any automobile repair facility can earn -- the National Institute for Automotive Excellence Blue Seal of Excellence.

After 10 years of automotive knowledge tests, equipment inspections and certifications, the auto hobby shop earned the distinction in December of becoming the first in the Air Force to earn the blue seal.

“This is no small thing,” lead mechanic Ted Vital said. “The requirements for the blue seal are stringent. It’s not something they give to just anyone.”

Only two other military auto hobby shops nationwide can boast the same distinction and only two privately owned auto repair establishments on the “Space Coast” have achieved the recognition, according to a listing of Automotive Service Excellence Blue Seal shops on Web site www.ase.com.

To get the blue seal, a repair shop must meet and maintain certain ASE criteria. At least 75 percent of the technicians performing diagnosis and repairs must be ASE certified -- having at least two years of school, on-the-job experience or a combination of the two along with a comprehensive test administered by the ASE.

A blue seal shop must also have an ASE-certified technician in every service offered and have up-to-date and well-maintained equipment to perform those services. Each blue seal shop is also retested and inspected annually to maintain its certification.

“This means that we’ve got a commitment to service for our customers,” said Nancy Wilberg, the squadron’s arts and crafts director.

Mr. Vital says the Patrick shop offers a complete range of services, including air-conditioning and tire service, heavy engine repair and a fully certified paint and body shop. While the shop is certified to make any repair necessary and often lends a hand, their main mission is to provide expert advice and training to customers on repairing their own vehicles.

(Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News Service)