Sparks fly, new Metals Technology Section facility revealed

  • Published
  • By By: Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada --  Sparks flew as the new 432nd Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Metals Technology Section facility made its debut during a "ribbon" cutting ceremony here Oct. 9, 2014.

As the first of its kind here, the facility adds a new element to the mission capabilities and efficiency for the base.

The new facility has the capability to manufacture parts for support equipment locally, as well as make parts and tools needed for aircraft and different units around base. The facility came to fruition through the cooperative efforts of several units at Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases.

"This undertaking was truly a Team Creech effort, with supporting roles from our partners at Nellis," said Maj. Timothy Casey, 432nd Maintenance Squadron commander. "Support was necessary and given from the 432nd Wing leadership, 432nd Maintenance Group, 799th Air Base Group, civil engineers, and the Nellis/Creech Fire Department to turn the vision into reality."

Although there were many moving parts, Casey said two maintainers in particular made the project a success and made the concept a reality.

"Two key players were Senior Master Sgt. Valerie Schenk, whose persistent leadership helped break down barriers and keep the project moving forward over a two year period, and Staff Sgt. Zachary Arbuckle, who determined the shop layout, equipment requirements, power requirements, and worked directly with outside agencies to ensure we were within regulations for items like welding on the flightline, converting an aircraft hangar to an industrial facility, and so on," he said. 

With the new capabilities on base, there will no longer be a need to outsource projects.

"The opening of the metals technology facility signals an unprecedented milestone for maintenance capabilities at Creech as we continue to mature as a base," said Capt. Robert Dunphy, 432nd MXS Aerospace Ground Equipment operations officer. "Such capabilities allow for support equipment and aircraft to be repaired faster, which will ultimately be utilized by the warfighter."

Schenk, 432nd MXS AGE maintenance flight chief, and Arbuckle, 432nd MXS aircraft metals technology section chief, said the project had been in the works for about two years.

"This was really a team effort," Schenk said. "The process for getting the metals facility prepared also included processes such as writing new manuals, job safety guides, and much more."

Seeing the end result of all the hard work the team had put in was bittersweet for Arbuckle.

"It is a bittersweet feeling to meet my goals because I will be taking on a permanent change of station soon, so I won't be around as long as I had hoped," he said.

Leadership also lauded all of Arbuckle's dedication to the project and the time he took to make sure all of his T's were crossed and I's were dotted.

"Fueled by Staff Sgt. Arbuckle's innovation, expertise and determination, this building is one of the base's true repair facilities and an incredible combat force multiplier," said Col. James Chittenden, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander.