Vehicle Ops delivers mission readiness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - --  Sun Tzu once said, "The line between disorder and order lies in logistics."

The 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Operations flight maintains Team Barksdale's logistical order by delivering parts to maintainers, aircrew to the B-52H Stratofortress, government-owned vehicles, or GOV's to customers and more.

"We do a lot of documented cargo," said Staff Sgt. Quentin Irvin, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron assistant NCO in-charge of vehicle operations control center support. "We pick up parts from supply and take them to any of the 456 delivery locations, which can range from anything from zip ties for the parachute shop to parts for the B-52's landing gear. We deliver classified items, engine cowlings and more."

Vehicle operations perform daily "sweeps," which ensures Team Barksdale receives its daily operational supplies. With multiple sweeps and three shifts, these vehicle operations Airmen work round-the-clock keeping Barksdale supplied.

"We deliver anything and everything from vehicle parts to vehicle maintenance to sending parts out to the flightline to support the maintainers working on the jets," said Airman 1st Class Oliver Delfs, 2nd LRS vehicle operator. "Without us, [maintainers] wouldn't be able to get the parts they need to keep the B-52 mission-capable."

When a B-52 requires emergency maintenance before a takeoff, known as a "red-ball," vehicle operations personnel are essential to getting specialists, maintainers, parts and equipment out to the jet in less than 30 minutes.

Vehicle operations Airmen also deliver savings to the Air Force by operating alternative energy vehicles.

"All of our GOVs are now fueled exclusively by flex-fuel," Irvin said. "We recently received vans that use compressed natural gas that is less expensive than flex-fuel."

As Barksdale Airmen work around-the-clock protecting our nation and its global interests by providing B-52 combat capability and unmatched expeditionary combat Airmen, vehicle operations personnel ensure parts, aircrew and Airmen are ready to fly, fight and win.