LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Due to their outstanding work, the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron was nominated for the Air Education Training Command Department of Defense Award for Supply Chain Excellence.
From the time an aircraft part is received until it’s shipped out, the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron is responsible for the material management and distribution services for the Air Force’s largest fighter wing.
The central storage section maintains cradle-to-grave asset accountability for all aircraft parts in support of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35 Lightning II.
“While running 24 hour operations, we are here solely to support the flying mission at Luke,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Barber, 56th LRS central storage NCO in charge.
When Luke received the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft from Lockheed Martin in 2014, the 56th LRS immediately selected a team of 11 skilled personnel specializing in transportation and material management willing to think outside the box and create new processes to support the joint strike fighter.
“For us it’s learning a whole new process,” Barber said. “With the F-35 program coming on board, we needed to get everyone invested. We had a team of experts that were all chosen when the program first started, but we knew we couldn’t stick with one small team as the number of aircraft was increasing.”
With the influx of new aircraft, the technical specialists were dispersed throughout the squadron to conduct training and implement new processes. During this transition, each specialist worked to introduce the new procedures into their respective sections.
In addition to providing supply support to the Air Force’s largest fighter wing during 24/7 operations, the 56th LRS were on hand to support international missions.
“Being nominated for this award really validates and confirms what we’re doing on a day to day basis is important and really impacts the mission positively.” Barber said. “Airmen here understand the importance of what they’re doing and take personal pride and ownership in their work. Making sure we’re going above and beyond and not just doing our job is our focus.”
Their goal of excellence stems directly from the Air Force’s core values but it takes more than just one person.
“There has been a lot of dedication to learn the new F-35 program and it definitely takes a team effort,” said Senior Airman Kameron Chinn, 56th LRS hazardous material supply specialist.
As a reflection of their recent accomplishment, the 56th LRS plans to continue to excel in 2017.
“There’s always an opportunity to learn as well as teach new Airmen that come to our shop,” Barber said. “Each day we plan to continue to get better at what we do.”