RAFL strike weapons sections merge, improve maintenance, morale

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
RAF LAKENHEATH, England --  RAF Lakenheath's two F-15E Strike Eagle weapons sections recently consolidated as part of an AFSO 21 initiative, making them the largest weapons section in U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

The merger allows leadership to put more manpower to the unit that requires it, according to Senior Master Sgt. David McBride, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Strike Weapons superintendent. Prior to the merger, weapons maintenance was struggling to complete its duties, in fact 12 hours shifts we're the norm for both sections.

"Now we have a large manpower pool, so I can focus more manpower on the section that needs it," said Sergeant McBride. "The key is that the aircraft are ready. They are not waiting on us to fly their missions."

The merger has driven down overdue equipment by 80 percent and reduced broke aircraft by 22 percent.

"We have also seen improvements in aircraft fix times, decreased the amount of equipment overdue inspections, and almost eliminated late crew ready aircraft for weapons," said Lt. Col. Keith Compton, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander at the time of the merger. "However, the top benefit is the Airmen's morale has drastically improved."

In fact, according to a survey conducted in the unit, 97 percent of the more than 100 airmen responded that morale had risen since the merger.

"The unit camaraderie and morale is up, said Airman 1st Class James Lowery, strike Eagle weapons specialist. "There is no divide between red and blue (494th and 492nd weapons flights). We are all just one big weapons unit now. Really, it's about getting the mission done. If we don't get done what we need done, it affects flying and the mission."

"Anytime we can get morale up, our people will perform better," said Colonel Compton. "This is the biggest impact to the weapons section merge."