Self help project at Altus base fuels lab boosts morale

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Three enlisted members from Altus Air Force Base's fuels lab thought their work space was dark and dreary - so they did something about it.

"Having been in constant use as the Base Fuels Laboratory since 1975, the lab was a bit run down. Because of the sensitivity of our equipment, we need to maintain a temperature range of 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit in the lab," said Tech. Sgt. Duane Eddy, noncommissioned officer in charge of the base fuel laboratory, 97th Logistics Readiness Group. "However, an aging HVAC system combined with inadequate insulation made that near impossible. In addition, the ceiling tiles were damaged from years of wear, paint was peeling off the walls, and the floor tiles and base boards were damaged."

"It was a very blue and dismal work environment," said Senior Airman John March, base fuels lab technician.

The stated purpose of the project was to fix the climate control problems in the lab, patch and paint the walls, replace the damaged drop ceiling, repair and replace the damaged flooring, and update the look of the lab.

"We coordinated with the Civil Engineering heating, ventilating, and air conditioning shop to repair the HVAC system and install insulation," said Sgt. Eddy. "We coordinated with the CE Self Help section to get the materials we needed to replace the ceiling tiles, paint the walls, and replace the flooring and base boards. We also installed new copper static grounding bars in the lab. Overall, it took about three weeks to complete the work, in addition to running all of the fuel samples required on a daily basis. It definitely makes it easier to accomplish our mission now that we can maintain the required temperatures in the lab."

All the sagging, cracked, broken or discolored ceiling tiles were removed, and insulation was added to keep the lab within the approved technical order mandated temperature range. The air conditioning booster fan motor was replaced, to help avoid future discoloration.

The finish had been destroyed on the flooring, which was outdated with many cracked or missing tiles. Since it was impossible to improve the existing tiles, they were replaced outright with a bright, clean, white tile.

The 1975 paint scheme and worn out walls, doors, trim, kits and exhaust hood vanished, replaced with a refreshed, brighter, more modern look that improves the ease of upkeep.

"It is easier to work in a better looking lab. I feel great about the finished lab," said Staff Sgt. Michael Poulin, base fuels lab supervisor.

Sgt. Poulin and Airman March said a lot of time and effort went into the work, and while there is more to do, it's not something for the faint of heart to undertake.

"The lab just needed a little T.L.C," said Airman March.

The base fuels lab plays a vital role in the mission of Forging Combat Mobility Forces at Altus AFB. The lab provides quality control for over 54 million gallons of petroleum and cryogenic products each year. They ensure that all fuel on base (unleaded, diesel, and JP-8 jet fuel) meets required specifications, according to Sgt. Eddy.

"(We) sample fuel that could possibly cause major malfunctions on an aircraft if it is not up to the Air Force standards," said Airman March.

"Our guys in the fuels lab are simply outstanding and represent what we in Mission Support Group call "P.E.P"...professionalism, excellence, and pride. They knew their facility was not in the best of condition and took it upon themselves to improve its appearance and make it more functional. I could not be more proud of them, they represent the very best in MSG!" said Col. James Peccia, 97th Mission Support Group commander.

For more information on the self-help program, call 481-7640.