IEU helps Andersen gear up to deploy

by Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
36th Wing Public Affairs

7/30/2012 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Getting out the door quickly with the proper equipment is a top priority for any servicemember with a short-notice deployment tasking.

The Individual Equipment Unit is the behind the scenes shop supplying Team Andersen and Naval Base Guam members with the equipment they need for deployments, exercises and every day jobs.

"We support the mission by supplying Airmen and Sailors with the equipment they need in a timely manner," said Duane Chargualaf, 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron IEU warehouse specialist. "We strive to provide the servicemembers with their Individual Equipment items essential for them to perform their duties. Whether it's for their duty station or for upcoming deployments."

The IEU warehouse is filled wall-to-wall with various equipment items. These are mostly uniform items, to include everything from sage boots to Navy coveralls.

"More than a thousand line items are currently carried in the warehouse," Mr. Chargualaf said. "These are not to be confused with mobility items. We do work hand-in-hand with mobility, but the equipment here is, for the most part for individuals to keep upon issue while they are serving in the military."

The IUE shop is ran by a small staff of DZSP21 contractors, usually comprised of two members. These individuals are responsible for equipment needs base wide. This includes tenant units and anyone deployed into Andersen. The IEU also carries equipment items for civil service employees here and for the Sailors at NBG.

Approximately 80 to 100 individual issue requests come in weekly. Sometimes, deploying individuals will come into the shop with an issue request form for themselves. These servicemembers are able to try on all uniform items to make sure they fit. More commonly, the unit's supply sergeant or the unit deployment manager will come in with a large issue request for multiple servicemembers. This is common with short-notice deployments when time is a factor.

Mr. Chargualaf works hard to make sure either the individual, supply sergeant or UDMs are able to get what they need and have a smooth visit.

"It's very convenient to visit IEU because it is close, quick and I am able to get all the equipment needed for the squadron," said Staff Sgt. Kurtis Strasser, 734th Air Mobility Squadron UDM. "Recently the squadron had a big order due to a deployment and it cuts out a lot of time coming here. This helps the deployers get out the door with everything they need."

If a request for out-of-stock items come in, Mr. Chargualaf does everything he can to ensure the items are Back Ordered to the Andersen site immediately. The turnaround time is only a few days.

"It's very important to get our customers what they need in a short period of time," Mr. Chargualaf said. "I want to make sure the customers are prepared, whether it is for a deployment or everyday activities, to get the mission done."