Luke AFSO 21 initiative to be implemented Air Force wide

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Success is contagious. 

The 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire shop was so successful in implementing an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiative that it's now scheduled to be implemented Air Force wide. It will be on a test basis debuting this summer at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., according to Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Pomonis, 56th EMS wheel and tire shop NCO-in-charge. 

The 56th EMS wheel and tire shop has dramatically improved efficiency in every aspect of its operation since AFSO 21 debuted in 2006. 

"Some examples of this more efficient operation are in the pickup and delivery of tires and the work stations," Sergeant Pomonis said. "In the past, we used eight vehicles to pickup and deliver tires to and from each aircraft maintenance unit. Today, we use one truck with a trailer to transport all wheels and tires. This new method frees up seven vehicles that can be used in other areas of the base. 

"The work stations used to be located in two rooms with all of the tools located in one place. Today there are separate work stations for each type of wheel with all of the tools needed for that specific job located at that station. The new method saves a lot of time and money." 

The profound change since AFSO 21 began has been the decrease in personnel needed to do the job. 

"Before AFSO 21, our shop had a crew of 25 people working in two rooms," Sergeant Pomonis said. "Today we have four workers and an NCO-in-charge." 

In all, Sergeant Pomonis said he hopes the model piloted at Luke Air Force Base will be successful at Tyndall. 

"I realize it takes time for people to be comfortable with change," he said. "But, I feel when the positive results of AFSO 21 principles yield a big savings in manpower and money and an increase in efficiency, people will buy into it."