Teaming up to move munitions

by Staff Sgt. Jessica Haas
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/7/2014 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Airmen assigned to the 8th Maintenance Squadron, Logistics Readiness Squadron and the Fighter Wing safety office worked together during the peninsula-wide munitions realignment process Jan. 6 to Mar. 10, 2014.

"The realignment of munitions throughout the United States Forces Korea is a big deal," said Maj. Timothy Fuhrman, 8th MXS commander. "The 8th FW is doing their part as one of the largest munitions retrograde efforts on the peninsula. All realignment efforts are meant to put the 8th FW in the best position to meet operational requirements and 'fight tonight'."

The major went on to say large portions of Kunsan's stockpile are being moved to other areas within the Pacific Command or back to the U.S.

"Logistically, there are major benefits to the realignment that come in the form of man-hour savings," said Fuhrman. "For example, there will be less periodic inspection requirements, less munition container repairs and less re-warehousing. Additionally, the munitions retrograde will free up premium floor space in the Munitions Storage Area, which will allow overall better munitions stockpile management."

While the munitions flight headed up the operation, they didn't do it alone.

"The munitions flight has had tons of help," said Fuhrman. "Seventh Air Force/A4 has done a wonderful job providing us with shipping containers and lumber. The 8th FW safety office performed a major risk assessment on the operation seven to eight weeks ago that had to be approved by Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander. The 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron has been remarkable in supporting us with all of the shipping, handling and transportation requirements as well."

With the teamwork demonstrated by each of these squadrons, the realignment was a success and the Wolf Pack is now even more prepared to take the fight North.