AIMD Misawa ramps up for P-3s return

Photo By Matthew Bradley | Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Michael Jenson, from Payette Idaho, applies silver brazing to a P-3 air conditioning unit pipe at Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Misawa. AIMD Misawa is the only intermediate P-3 maintenance facility in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, and services all P-3 Squadrons deployed in the area.  

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, AOMORI, JAPAN

10.31.2011

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Bradley  

Naval Air Facility Misawa

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan – Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Misawa sailors are gearing up for the return of P-3 aircraft to Naval Air Facility Misawa this year.

AIMD's 175 sailors and 14 Japanese Master Labor Contract employees already provide intermediate maintenance support to all P-3 aircraft in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, but the detachment is about to see an increase in business.

Patrol Squadron (VP) 1 is deploying to Misawa in the near future, which marks the first deployment of a VP squadron to Misawa since 2007.

"Currently we average around 1,200 to 1,400 maintenance actions each month,” said AIMD Officer in Charge Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Reams. “I foresee that number increasing after the patrol squadrons deploy here and start performing their scheduled maintenance inspections.

“As the only intermediate P-3 maintenance facility within 7th Fleet’s AOR, we provide long-range support to planes deployed to Kadena and other places in the region,” he said. “In preparation of VP 1's arrival, we are taking steps to ensure we continue to provide the best service and support to them and all deployed P-3 assets.”

To meet the squadron’s needs, AIMD sailors are adding a second work shift, conducting cross-training, and reviewing supply levels to ensure preparedness when VP 1 arrives. AIMD's normal crew is already augmented by regularly-deployed sailors that rotate on a six-month basis.

Because of Misawa’s remoteness and geographic location in northern Japan, Master Chief Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman Ferdinand Cruz, AIMD's senior enlisted advisor, said it’s imperative that his team is technically proficient and flexible.

"Because of where we're located our sailors have to be very proactive and rely on the assets we have in house,” he said. “It requires that we grow our own knowledge base, but thankfully, our sailors do a fantastic job of this. The outstanding work they perform day in and day out make my job a lot easier.”

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, visit https://www.cnic.navy.mil/misawa/index.htm or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nafmisawa.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2011
• Date Posted: 10.31.2011 01:49
• Story ID: 79294
• Location: NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, AOMORI, JP