News

Changes to Dover AFB maintenance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In an effort to support an Air Mobility Command wide cost cutting initiative in grounds and maintenance cleaning, Airmen will do their part in keeping the base clean.

Most of the basic maintenance and up keep such as litter control, vacuuming and dusting will be performed by each squadron in their respected buildings, while heavy cleaning like floor buffing or carpet cleaning will continue to be done by contractors.

"This is a command program that reduces the level of services and by backing off on the frequency of routine maintenance so we can reduce the cost of the contracts," said Chief Master Sgt. David Klink, 436th Mission Support Group Superintendent. "We have to pick up more of our areas. There is a pride and ownership issue that it brings back."

Some of the services that have been completely eliminated or impacted by the new maintenance reductions include litter patrol, lawn renovation and reduced restroom and facility cleaning.

Team Dover has implemented a new litter patrol program to help alleviate some of the manpower needed to keep the base clean. The program consists of three Airmen that patrol the common areas of the base picking up trash and debris.

"The program is still in its infancy," said Master Sgt. Leslie Barnes, 436th Civil Engineering Squadron dorm superintendent. "We are getting feedback on what we can do better."

The litter patrol program rotates through all the squadrons every two weeks in an effort to spread out the workload.

"I think it's a good idea that the Airmen are in charge of the work," said Airman Donald Bailey, 436th Maintenance Squadron jet mechanic. "The Airmen are the ones that are mostly making the mess, so I think it is proper that we're the ones who clean it up."

Each squadron will also be responsible for 50 feet from the perimeter of their buildings for litter and weed removal.

With the reduction in services provided to Dover Air Force Base, it will be all of Team Dover's responsibility to make sure the base is cleaned up and professional at all times. Everybody should do their part and encourage others to clean up after themselves.