LRS implements AFOS21 processes Published Oct. 31, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron took another step to maximize their vehicle maintenance capabilities by implementing an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century Rapid Improvement Event. The vehicle maintenance shop has embraced the AFSO21 process looking for ways to streamline a variety of functions they perform. "Our process is very large so we have to do these events in steps otherwise we'd have to close vehicle management down to complete it all at once," said Master Sgt. Rufus Reed, 52nd LRS heavy/light vehicle maintenance section chief. For their latest AFSO21 event Airmen from the vehicle maintenance shop moved their preventive maintenance inspection area. "With this move we expect the vehicle to be turned back to the user the same day as long as no problems are found during the PMI," Sergeant Reed said. "Our customers may not see the results or benefits right away; give us a chance get this process running smooth. We have an appointment system in place and if everyone base wide turns in their vehicles on time it will help us all out." While this change will help the maintenance shop provide better service to their customers, the people who work the process are critical to its success. "I feel most customers are very receptive to this process change because they feel we didn't have the most efficient process and we needed this change due to everyone deploying," Sergeant Reed said. Airmen who work in the PMI area have already noticed benefits from the AFSO21 changes. "It is working out great," said Staff Sgt. Ricky Wood, 52nd LRS vehicle and vehicular equipment maintenance craftsman. "The inspections are quicker and we are able to return vehicles back to users within the same day or, if we find something -- whether it is safety or serviceability related -- it would be in the shop less time since the problem has already been identified." Sergeant Wood appreciates the concepts behind AFSO21 initiatives. "I think it is a great way to find a better, faster way to conduct business no matter where you work," Sergeant Wood said. "There is always something you can do to cut time and costs."