Yokota aircraft parts store never closes

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Val Gempis
  • Air Force Print News
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen assigned to the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron is aircraft parts store element here work around the clock supporting the Air Force airlift mission in the Pacific region.

The group of inventory management technicians receive, store and issue needed parts worth $46 million for C-130 Hercules cargo planes and UH-1 Huey helicopters. They also support other in-transit planes passing through. Unit members said that without these assets Pacific Air Forces airlift operations would grind to a halt.

“It’s very important that we keep track of every item in our requirements checklist,” said Master Sgt. Sonia Lewis-Oden, element superintendent. “Today’s threat requires the military to act within hours, not days. If we’re not ready, these aircraft are not going anywhere.”

Logistics is not a glamorous subject. It is not close to the hearts of most warriors and often seen as administrative work rather than an operational and tactical part of combat. Running out of fuel, munitions or aircraft parts in the middle of a conflict can be an agonizing reminder of how important these Airmen are to success on the battlefield.

The aircraft parts store replenishes and issues pre-positioned aircraft kits. The spare-parts packages are used for mobility, readiness, contingency, high-priority and in-place missions. Each kit can contain up to 2,000 items ranging from small items like screws, wires, cables and nuts and bolts to bulky C-130 engine propellers, aircraft tires, nose gear and fuel-tank assemblies.

Although the value of the equipment can range from a few cents to thousands of dollars, every item in the kits is very important, said Tech. Sgt. Rex Sarmiento an inventory management technician.

“These aircraft usually deploy (to) austere places,” he said. “If the plane breaks down there’s no place for the mechanics to get parts.”

Little things like a screw or a fuel valve can mean a lot to mechanics with a broken plane in a remote location. To make sure they have all the required equipment, Airmen conduct weekly inventories. Their first priority is to account for every item on their list and ensure its availability.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a great feeling to know that when these planes take off they have everything they need to sustain their mission,” Sergeant Sarmiento said.