LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Little Rock Air Force Base has multiple aircraft deployed across the globe in support of Combat Airlift at any given time, and the people of the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron Materiel Management flight work behind the scenes to ensure C-130s deploy with parts needed to sustain mission requirements.
The 19th LRS Materiel Management flight, often referred to as supply; manages and distributes Air Force assets to various units - such as aircraft parts to maintenance - and deployment gear to tasked individuals 24/7.
“You can’t fly without supply,” said Staff Sgt. Zachery Deuyour, 19th LRS Materiel Management flight customer support supervisor. “Parts are needed for aircraft; from something as little as a pencil to aircraft parts, supplies are necessary for day-to-day tasks.”
Despite the seven different sections and various objectives: central storage, customer support, equipment accountability, inventory, inspection, individual protective equipment and the flight service center, the components of materiel management work cohesively together to get the job done.
“Communication is very important because everyone works hand-in-hand for the mission,” said Airman 1st Class Yavonda Winston, 19th LRS Materiel Management flight customer service apprentice. “Every section tracks where assets are going and that there aren’t any issues.”
Liaisons from the flight are included in daily maintenance meetings, allowing the team to determine needs and meet demands of the squadrons.
In addition to supply Airmen working as one, the teams coordinate with two sections of the 19th LRS Traffic Management Office within the same facility. Inbound cargo processes supplies coming to the installation, while outbound process cargo leaving.
“It’s extremely important that TMO and supply work together to resolve issues,” said Tech. Sgt. Isaiah Bauer, 19th LRS TMO cargo movement NCO in charge. “That helps both sections run smoothly, efficiently and effectively.”
Each aspect, whether TMO or the seven sections of supply, must work fluidly to remain mission-ready.
“There are so many diverse backgrounds and people from different states in supply, tying into the Air Force vision of being diversified,” Deuyour said. “Whether you’re at Little Rock or downrange supporting operations at the front lines, you’re experiencing something different all the time. It amazes me that our people from all over the world can put a plane into the air or get parts for a vehicle effectively daily.”