Serviceable U.S. gear going to Afghanistan

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas, USAF

[SandRat]

U.S. Air Force members of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron take down a tent structure that had previously been used within their compound at Ali Air Base, Sept. 30. The squadron has been downsizing and consolidating materials and equipment to send to U.S. war fighters in Afghanistan. Photo by Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas, 407th Air Expeditionary Group.

ALI BASE — The 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here is preparing for the drawdown of U.S. forces by inventorying materials and equipment for possible use elsewhere.

Soon after arriving in June, the 407th ECES completed an inventory of all items from expandable shelters down to the hand-tool level. The inventory allowed them to see what items could be sent to Afghanistan, while still being able to perform their mission here.

"Based on the drawdown guidance, we knew it would be imperative that we start the reconstitution efforts immediately after hitting the ground in June of this year," said Lt. Col. Derek Scott, deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. "Every item that we could safely afford to reconstitute or redeploy to Afghanistan was coordinated with the Air Force Central Command Forward Civil Engineer."

Being able to prioritize and balance what work has to be done within the squadron and efficiently begin the reconstitution process is important, noted Chief Master Sgt. Dennis LaClaire.

Getting an early jump on the process will not only save money but will save time and man power by the end of the drawdown.

"Over $7 million dollars worth of items from Ali Base are being distributed to various locations based on a theater priority set by the Air Force Forward Civil Engineer," said Scott. "This effort is on-going and I anticipate by mid December 2009 we'll have 90 percent of our re-deployable assets shipped out."

[SandRat]

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