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Tinker aerial port requires repairs

  • Published
  • By Mike W. Ray
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Tinker AFB has an aerial port for handling the 4,000 tons of cargo that will be transported to Iraq over the next two years, but the Bldg. 260 warehouse and loading dock require some attention.

"They've been neglected for awhile," said Steven Max, chief of Air Terminal Operations and Passenger Movement with the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron.

For instance, inside Bldg. 260 are five pallet pits, each of which enables cargo handlers to lower a cargo pallet and secure a net over it. One pit has a burned-out motor and two others have hydraulic leaks, Mr. Max said.

Bldg. 260 also has two multi-pallet train systems that are used to couple pallets together for shipment of long items such as KC-135 aerial refueling booms. One of the trains has three motors, none of which works. "We need to contact the manufacturer, because we don't have the specs for that equipment anymore," Mr. Max said.

Bldg. 260 also has a 14,798 square-foot outside covered storage area equipped with several highline docks that are inoperable. One new highline dock is on order and is expected to arrive in February.

In addition, scales in the warehouse have sat idle for several years and need to be calibrated.

Cost estimates on the necessary repairs are being solicited, Mr. Max said. "We need to get these problems fixed soon, because we're going to receive and deliver cargo soon."
"We've known about the increased requirement and need to fix the equipment, but budgets didn't allow it," said Col. Todd Vician, commander of the 72nd Mission Support Group. "Performing the initial work on the Iraqi F-16 Mission without the improvements will be difficult, but it will be done -- and done safely -- until the equipment can be repaired."

Besides nearly 15,000 square feet of outdoor, covered storage space, Bldg. 260 has 3,300 square feet of pallet trains work space, 9,000 square feet of indoor working space, and 2,750 square feet of interior floor space for storing 26 cargo pallets, each 108 inches wide and 88 inches long.