Photo By Daniel Martinez | Senior Airman Devon Pearce, 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel laboratory...... read more read more
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At the heart of Offutt Air Force Base, the 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron operates like a well-oiled machine, ensuring personnel, equipment, and supplies are always ready to support global Air Force missions.
While supporting the second largest wing in the Air Force, the 55th LRS shows no signs of slowing down.
"Our mantra is 'do hard things' and 'be savage, not average,'" said Lt. Col. Caitlin Oviatt, 55th LRS commander. "Doing hard things is about having the mindset to face each day as it's presented with a good attitude and a will to win the day ... To be savage, not average, I define as individuals who are focused on becoming a better version of themselves every day, and who let their progress be their motivation."
With less than 300 civilian and military personnel, that mantra resonates within the team and how they operate. Whether ensuring a smooth transfer of household goods through the traffic management office, overseeing deployment operations and managing the flow of personnel and equipment through the installation deployment readiness cell, or issuing individual protective equipment and mobility gear for deployers, the squadron continues to get the job done. The 55th LRS also manages ground transportation for on-base cargo, the air terminal function which manages aircraft cargo, POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants) to ensure aircraft are adequately serviced and fueled, and vehicle management which maintains Offutt's vehicle fleet to include snow removal equipment utilized by the 55th Civil Engineer Squadron.
Along with daily operations, LRS has overcome other unique challenges. When floods devastated Offutt in March 2019, more than 130 facilities were affected including LRS. As base wide recovery efforts continue, operations on base are returning to normal including for LRS who are on the verge of acquiring a new facility. Oviatt credits the Airmen and her team for LRS' accomplishments and overcoming the challenges they faced.
"This LRS is so special. The platforms we support are so unique and unlike any other base in ACC. I have no doubt we are gaining traction as one of the top LRS’ in the Air Force and it is because of our Airmen and the amazing things they do to make the mission happen," Oviatt said. "From Lincoln operations during the floods, to having to pivot and relocate LRS central supply, IPE, and TMO inbound/outbound shipping due to storm damage last Fall, or helping to plan large scale exercises under short timelines, the LRS has constantly risen to the occasion and found ways to succeed against all odds. Through every challenge, there is an opportunity to show what is possible."
For other Airmen, being part of the LRS team is a source of pride.
"We might be a small LRS as far as people are concerned, but we are the most deployed and we have the most opportunity to execute," said Master Sgt. Aaron Gonzales, 55th LRS material management superintendent. "I would say the best thing about working in LRS for me is that it's a very broad organization as far as what we do. There's always something different and you can always learn something new, but also we get the opportunity to help basically everyone on the base. We're not just focused on one thing. We are focused on the entire base organization helping those people out, helping the wing be lethal and effective in executing the mission."
Whether fueling aircraft, managing supply chains, or coordinating vehicle maintenance, the squadron plays a critical role in sustaining operational readiness. With a reputation for efficiency and innovation, the 55th LRS remains a vital and lethal force behind the success of the 55th Wing and beyond.
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.25.2025 13:07 |
| Story ID: | 491403 |
| Location: | OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NEBRASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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