Ground Equipment workers provide maintenance to transient aircraft

While aircraft constantly fly in and out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the 88th Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment shop makes sure support equipment for those aircraft is always readily available.

Any transient aircraft landing at Wright Patterson is an Aerospace Ground Equipment customer. Although AGE is represented at all bases and has the same function and mission, at Wright-Patterson, AGE is part of the Logistics Support Services where they maintain more than 240 pieces of aircraft support equipment, a HAZMAT satellite cell, paint booth, fueling pumps and distinguished visitor support for five surrounding states.

“Transient aircraft are those not assigned to a base that are enroute from one location to another that may require routine servicing,” said James Wuennemann, 88th LRS Material Management flight chief.

Some of the aircraft equipment that is maintained by AGE consists of generators, air conditioners, heaters, light carts, tow bars, hydraulic test stands, air compressors and air start carts, and are used to support all types of aircraft while on the ground.

“Aerospace Ground Equipment is normally part of most maintenance squadrons, but here at Wright-Patterson, it is part of the Logistics Support Services contract, which is responsible for the supply, transportation and maintenance sections,” said Wuennemann.

Transient aircraft is only one facet of their mission. AGE supports various missions and other equipment belonging to organizations such as the 88th Security Forces Squadron, the 88th Communications Group, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the 96th Test Wing, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the 595th Command and Control Group.

With various equipment and processes to support, this AGE shop accomplishes its mission with a six-person team, where the contracting officer representatives oversee the contractors for the contracting officer to ensure contract compliance. AGE personnel are specialized mechanics who are able to maintain all types of equipment and services identified in that contract. AGE personnel are qualified, trained and equipped to support the 88th Air Base Wing and all of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

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