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51st Maintainers look to new technology to innovate

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  What may look like the greatest new toy is actually a newly implemented program here at Osan AB.

Recently, the 51st Fighter Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron purchased and received ten Segways.  The device is a small, two-wheeled electric vehicle used to transport a single individual.

Late last year, former 51st Fighter Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynes, spoke with Osan maintainers about ways to innovate and improve the processes on Osan's flightline.  One of the ideas mentioned was the acquisition of the Segways.

"The idea is that the "Leg Bosses" who are in charge of checking up on the aircraft during generation will use these to more efficiently move amongst their area's to gather the information needed," said Major Lyle Drew, 51 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.  "This will allow us to cut down on the time needed to get the information we need, and to report it up the chain.  It will allow us to generate aircraft in a faster, more efficient manner."

With maintenance vehicles and other supply warehouses at various locations on the flightline, the Segway allows servicemembers to have easier access to the parts, service manuals or anything else they need to ensure mission success and readiness in a more timely manner.

"Right now we're still in the training, experimentation and safety phase of Segway operation.  What we look forward to is being able to use these during our next Peninsula Operational Readiness Exercise," said Major Drew.

The Segways are already making a difference on Osan's flightline.  Leadership from the maintenance squadrons are able to go into every building and visit with their people and make the checks that they need to.  On foot, the checks took upwards of two hours, and it wasn't practical with traditional vehicles. That same trip takes less than half an hour with the new Segways.

"It's great, the Shirt and I are able to get out and meet more people.  We don't have to stop our car and roll down the window, or call people over to speak to them about their projects.  We can visit all of our people where they work," said Major Drew. "It makes a difference to be able to get out and see all the great work our maintainers are doing."

Time will tell as to how effective the Segways will be, but they already have one major supporter here on Osan.

"When I first heard about this idea, I scoffed, like many.  But it's only been two months, and I'm a complete believer now.  I absolutely believe these are going to make a big difference in mission success and timely generation," said Major Drew.