New tool control system bolsters SOG maintenance

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Tech. Sgt. Matt Updegrave has a job that would make it difficult for almost anyone to sleep comfortably. He ensures the accountability of nearly $14 million worth of tools and equipment, which if missing, could contribute to a mishap or lead to the injury or death of fellow Airmen.

Updegrave is a member of the 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, where he holds the title of consolidated tool kit non-commissioned officer-in-charge, a responsibility he has shouldered since February 2011.

"I oversee all the tools and equipment used on the flight line; I make sure they're accounted for and in serviceable condition," said Updegrave. "If something goes missing, we follow a checklist and the plane does not fly until we account for it. People have died as a result of someone performing this job poorly."

There are currently several procedures and guidelines in place that make Updegrave's job a little less stressful, but he maintains a "find more efficient ways to doing things" outlook. In fact, his first step upon taking the job was promptly researching and penning a proposal to change the tool-control system being used.

Less than one month after he submitted the proposal, his leadership was so impressed that they forwarded it to Air Force Special Operations Command. Not only did AFSOC agree to fund the new system he proposed, they also began implementing it command-wide.

Updegrave's new proposal will improve the tool control system; saving time, making it more secure and offering a more user-friendly interface. Updegrave is happy to help out his fellow Airmen.

"I'm always looking for ways to make things better, safer and more cost effective," he said. "You see a process that's broken, and you ask yourself, 'How can I improve this, and how can I do better?' That is basically what I did."

Updegrave's initiative in improving maintenance procedures did not stop there. As an experienced maintainer, he knew loading and downloading chaff and flares (countermeasures to protect an aircraft from incoming enemy fire) from the aircraft was not a favorite task, partly due to signing out nine different items, requiring a "third arm" to carry. As a result, two people were needed to conduct the task. Updegrave thought there had to be a better way.

"I created a toolbox that consolidated everything needed," he said. "It's a case on wheels, so what was previously a two-person job is now a one-person job. Also, the sign-out process that took about three minutes, now it takes less than 30 seconds."

The feedback he received has been overwhelming.

"This is awesome," said Staff Sgt. Derrick Niles, 352nd SOMXS. "I like the fact that it's all in one case. That makes life so much easier."

One maintainer dubbed the kit "The Chaffmaster!"

Updegrave's initiative has even impressed Col. Gary McCollum, 352nd Special Operations Group commander.

"This is exactly the kind of initiative we expect of all our Air Commandos so we can improve efficiency while staying safe and effective in everything we do," said McCollum.

With a new tool control system that he personally researched, and the appreciation of his fellow maintainers, maybe sleep will now come easier to Updegrave.