8th LRS fleet upgrades invest in local economy; save money, time

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Savannah L. Waters
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Korean Government has funded the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron approximately $547,000 to locally procure 35 new foreign general purpose assets through the Logistics Cost Sharing (LCS) Vehicle Purchase Project, to modernize and replace part of Kunsan’s vehicle fleet.

Eight units at Kunsan are receiving the vehicles, guaranteeing pivotal increased mission capability.

“Due to numerous issues with having an aged vehicle fleet, our vehicle management flight was in need of newer utility vehicles,” said Capt. Noelle Bates, 8th LRS vehicle management flight commander. “In mere months, The 8th LRS has received 35 brand new vehicles to our compound, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

When vehicles are down for maintenance, part delivery times will be reduced from 21-30 days to 2-5 days, since all parts are now available locally.

“In the past, we’d have to wait two to three weeks for shipments from the U.S. to arrive,” said Senior Airman Deja Willis, 8th LRS fleet management and analysis journeyman. “With local parts now available, required maintenance will happen a lot faster.”

After modernizing the fleet with the newly procured assets, Kunsan’s mission capable rate is expected to increase, as well as the life expectancy of the replaced assets.

“The LCS Vehicle Purchase Project will be saving the vehicle management flight $34,000 in annual vehicle sustainment cost, and 774 annual labor hours,” Bates said.

Going forward, the 8th LRS plans to innovatively utilize the LCS program to modernize their general purpose fleet to the maximum extent possible.

“It’s inspiring to see the flourishing partnership between the U. S. Air Force and our host nation,” Bates said. “Both parties are here in support of each other and the LCS Vehicle Purchase Project is a great example of that. These vehicles will be put to great use, fully supporting the 8th Fighter Wing’s mission.”