Metals technology provides parts for B-52H Stratofortress

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - --  When millions of dollars are on the line, there's one flight on Barksdale responsible for manufacturing, cutting and welding aircraft parts with delicate precision.

The Airmen of the 2nd Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Metals Technology flight create and repair metal aircraft parts in order to keep the B-52H Stratofortress flying.

AMT also saves the Air Force time and money by manufacturing parts in-house, eliminating the need for expensive contracts, shipping costs and time.

"We are machinists and welders," said Tech. Sgt. David Cordes, 2nd MXS AMT NCO in-charge. "If anything comes in that's related to metal, we can repair or duplicate that part."

AMT not only works on aircraft parts, but can support any group or squadron on base who could benefit from their services.

"Instead of finding an outside source to manufacture bushings, brackets, specialty tools or other parts, they can bring the paperwork to us, and it will be cheaper for us to make or [weld] the part ourselves," said Senior Airman David Reid, 2nd MXS AMT journeyman. "We also weld engines and repair aircraft ground equipment."

The fabricated aircraft part can be tested on Barksdale and sent to the flightline instead of waiting on an off-base contractor to ship the part, he said. Using a contractor would increase wait time and cost to the Air Force.

AMT Airmen are critical to accomplishing the mission, using delicate precision to create pieces, parts and tools to serve the 2nd Bomb Wing.

"We use very precise machines," Reid said. "If there was no AMT, [Barksdale] would have to use an outside source. Some parts we make have to be measured to within a thousandth of an inch. Thankfully, with our machines, we don't have to outsource."

An error in maintenance can potentially cost the Air Force millions, depending on the part. Working with delicate machinery leaves little room for error, but Reid and his fellow AMT Airmen know how to get the job done accurately.

"Learning how to make everything right the first time was very difficult," Reid said. "The workflow isn't too strenuous, but when we have a job, everything is dependent on us. We're the last source of repairing something until it has to be outsourced."

Reid says he would rather spend more time doing something right the first time, than to rush through it and mess it up.

"When things get stressful, it's always better to just fall back on training, slow down a bit and ask for help, if needed," he added.

By providing accurate manufacturing, repair and welding services, Team Barksdale is better able to protect our nation and its global interests by providing devastating B-52 combat capability and unmatched expeditionary combat Airmen.