Man vs machine in an all-out battle royal

Tech. Sgt. Nathan Ennis, 2nd Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire NCO in-charge lowers a tire onto the one-man build up machine at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 23, 2014. During a recent competition the one-man build up machine completed assembly of three tires before the two-man team built one. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)

Man vs machine in an all-out battle royal

Airmen from the 2nd Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire section prepare to build a wheel setup at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 23, 2014. The Wheel and Tire shop maintain and inspect all of the tires used on the B-52H Stratofortress totaling more than 280 tires for both active duty and reserve aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)

Man vs machine in an all-out battle royal

Published June 30, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - -- Tucked away in a remote corner of the 2nd Maintenance Squadron phase hanger, a three manned shop takes on the machine.

Much like Paul Bunyan battled against the steam saw in a popular children's story, these Airmen battled against a one-man build up machine to see who was faster.

"A couple of weeks ago we held a competition to prove just who's the fastest, the man or the machine," said Senior Airman Kenneth York, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, crewchief. "It was a two versus one battle royal. Two built a tire for the B-52H while another used our tire machine. In the time it took one team to build a single tire the old way, the machine built three."

While the battle was over and the losing team was left licking their wounds, Airmen at the wheel and tire shop were just getting started on giving the B-52H Stratofortress new shoes to run down the flightline.

"We maintain and inspect all of the tires used on the B-52," said York. "Not only do we maintain the active duty aircraft, we maintain the Reserves planes and the ones in supply as well. It's a lot of work, but it is vital for the B-52s to complete the mission."

With more than 200 wheel and tire setups at Barksdale, the wheel and tire shop keeps the mission rolling down the line.

"We inspect every tire and rim that comes in from supply and the flightline," said York. "It can be a difficult task but with the team and one-man build up machine, we can help ensure the mission to fly fight and win."