Consolidated tool kit moves towards higher efficiency

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nilsa Garcia
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

McConnell’s 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s consolidated tool kit has completed its final transition into its newly redesigned building.  The move was the final step after eight months of construction to improve squadron organization and increase overall efficiency.

 

“The main objective of the move of CTK from [building] 1176 to 1107 was to centralize the CTK and support leadership in one location within the Squadron,” said Col. Emily Farkas, 22nd Maintenance Group commander.

 

Prior to the move, for a period of time the CTK was completely separated from the Airmen and leadership that utilized it on a daily basis.

 

Since the acquisition of KC-46A Pegasus equipment, McConnell’s CTK now houses an average of more than 3,500 tools and support equipment that can be signed out over a 24-hour period. The newly renovated hangar provides more storage area with three additional checkout counters that are expected to reduce check out times by 50 percent per customer.  

 

In addition to increased storage, a new key feature of the CTK is the installed hydraulic assist counters that allow Airmen to mechanically raise heavy equipment and tools onto counters during checkout. These electric lifts will aide in prevention of Airmen sustaining lifting-related back injuries, said Farkas.

 

“We’ve set things in place with ergonomics in mind,” said Staff Sgt. Juan Azofeifa, 22nd AMXS CTK craftsman. “It has made it much easier for the Airmen and taken away stress for them.”

 

Azofeifa played a major role in creating a streamlined system of locating tools. With each checkout counter organized by maintenance shop and aircraft model, and high use tools stored in more accessible locations, maintainers can maximize their time on the flightline where they're needed and minimize the time spent retrieving tools.

 

“We’re projecting about 2,800 hours saved annually from travel time alone,” said Master Sgt. Phillip Budlong, 22nd AMXS Atlas superintendent.

 

Together the implementation of these improvements has set the CTK on a path of increased efficiency that will further McConnell’s mission capabilities.