Logistics readiness go above, beyond call of duty

  • Published
  • By Jimmy Crabb
  • 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron provides premiere supply, fuel, transportation and deployment support to the Air Armament Center, supporting six wings from four major commands.

These units perform unique missions like maintenance and weapons test operations for more than 100 fighter and special operations fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The squadron also manages 50,962 supply and equipment line items valued at $1.2 billion and the largest continental U.S. fleet of 1,924 vehicles worth $106 million, and supports Air Force Materiel Command's largest deployment commitment.

All the jobs within logistics complement each other, and create a matchless synergy which exemplifies how outstanding the 96th LRS truly is. The vehicle operations function directly supported the 96th's mission by performing 2,000 mobile maintenance repairs, fulfilling 9,100 vehicle requests and transporting more than 2,200 warriors in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom operations.

Because of the dedication of the Airmen and civilians in the unit, vehicle operations earned an "Outstanding" rating, while the other six remaining logistics functions earned "Excellent" and "Commanders Best" ratings, according to the Logistics Standardization Evaluation program.

On the largest DoD installation, the 96th LRS dispensed 28 million gallons of product to support 800 buildings and 17,300 aircraft sorties. They were essential to the C-5 fleet's $19.8 billion modernization-devised strategy to heat and issue JP-4 for C-5 reliability and re-engining tests. They also refined the $23.9 million Joint Strike Fighter fuel infrastructure project, which is a foundation for the Eglin Area Development Plan to support 59 incoming F-35s.

"The 'buzz' for supporting the incoming F-35s is permeating throughout the squadron," said Dr. Kevin Partlow, 96th LRS operations compliance chief. "The preparation for anticipated workloads and infrastructure are underway to ensure we provide the newly arriving aircraft and associated teams the same level of support we provide to Team Eglin. Although supporting aircraft operations is nothing new for us, the excitement and energy associated with being at the infant stage of weapon system support will drive us to step our game up."

The 96th LRS is dedicated to supporting the mission here and in the community. The squadron is engaged with fitness by having a 97.5 percent fitness pass rate, 23 percent of those having an "Excellent" score.

"It gives me great pride to be a part of an organization that takes fitness seriously," said Staff Sgt. Amy Contreras, 96th LRS physical training leader. "Not only does it improve our health so everyone can function at their best abilities, it also ensures we are physically prepared to deploy and do our jobs." 

The members of the squadron orchestrated four Relay for Life fundraising events and raised more than $1,800 to help further cancer research and education. The squadron also encourages support towards our community by donating time to programs such as Meals on Wheels, Bob Hope Village, Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics. More than 600 hours of squadron members' free time is devoted to the base and local community -- 159 hours dedicated to Meals on Wheels alone.

"From day one entering the squadron the 'do something bigger than yourself' ethos is promoted up and down the chain," Chief Master Sgt. William Russell, 96th LRS superintendent. "The members in the squadron share a benevolent spirit and follow a rich tradition of volunteering; we love helping those less fortunate than ourselves."

The Airmen within the squadron are focused on education -- there are 318 members enrolled in classes.

As a result of all this hard work, 96th LRS earned the Air Force Materiel Command's 2008 Major General Warren R Carter Logistics Effectiveness Award, also known as the Daedalian Award, and the American Petroleum Institute award.

"I am really proud of the men and women in this squadron and all their hard work they accomplish every day," said Lt. Col. Kirk Mott, 96th LRS commander. "Our unit deploys more than 100 people per year, and we still manage to accomplish such outstanding goals and make the mission happen for Team Eglin."

These two awards are accomplishments the 96th LRS strived to achieve by excelling in management, operation compliance, conservation measures, customer service and community involvement. The members of the squadron excel in these areas not for the awards, but because it's the right thing to do -- the awards are icing on the cake.