Reserve, active-duty unite to repair fire truck

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. David Thoreson
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In the spirit of Team Luke and Total Force Integration, vehicle mechanics from the 56th and 944th Fighter Wings partnered to repair the base's only P-23 crash fire truck, the largest in the firefighting fleet.  

As the base prepared for 200,000 spectators to enter the gates for Luke Days March 21 and 22, a time-compliance technical order calling for the replacement of all four tire hubs on the crash truck was issued. The job instantly became the number one priority in the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron's vehicle maintenance shop; however, they were short of mechanics.  

"Immediately, two highly-skilled and motivated 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance reservists volunteered to assist with the repairs," said Deryl Wall, 56th LRS vehicle and management flight chief.  

Mr. Wall added that the partnership between the reservists and their regular Air Force counterparts has proven to be a win-win for both organizations.  

"It has enabled us to develop a well-trained team of expert mechanics with skill sets of the highest level -- second to none," he said. "By embracing a one-team, one-fight philosophy, all Luke mechanics have worked and trained side-by-side, gaining valuable experience on the latest troubleshooting and repair techniques."  

According to Mr. Wall, with the help of the 944th LRS team of Tech. Sgt. Mark Joyner and Tech. Sgt. Bill Skool, the removal and replacement of the four hubs was performed in record time.  

"They helped to ensure that this critical piece of firefighting equipment was back in service and on duty for the Luke Days Air Show and ready to perform its emergency mission of saving lives and protecting property," Mr. Wall said.  

Those involved in the time-sensitive project praised the team approach the two squadrons embraced.  

"I knew the assistance provided by the reserve mechanics would guarantee the P-23 would be ready for the air show and it was," said Staff Sgt. Abraham Martinez, 56th LRS fire truck maintenance section acting NCO-in-charge.  

Although he felt the pressure, Sergeant Skool said teamwork was key to their success.
"I definitely felt the added responsibility of this high-visibility job, but the teamwork between our two shops made it very easy to integrate into the active-duty section," Sergeant Skool said.  

Both of the 944th LRS mechanics received notations in their training records; an opportunity that may never come up again in their careers. Despite the hard work, Sergeant Joyner enjoyed the opportunity to work with his counterparts.  

"Both the 56th and 944th mechanics operate with the same high standards," he said. "We do the job right; we do the best job every time; and safety is our number one priority."