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File: aabqn_20.txt
A concern for the maintainers developed because the deployment
package for maintenance personnel and equipment was established without
using a standard, pre-planned UTC aviation package for 16 PAA C-130
units. The MAC 16 PAA aviation package had to be reduced to what would
fit on the aircraft. The use of organic airlift to carry non aviation package
UTC's personnel and equipment caused this paring from 147 to 195. The
equipment package was reduced to meet the cargo space/weight
constraints caused by airlifting the non maintenance personnel, and
equipment. No problems developed with the aircraft that the maintainers
could not solve during the deployment, however. No sorties were lost due
to maintenance and a 100 percent reliability rating was established.49
Site Survey
A complete and accurate site survey was essential prior to a
successful deployment. Unfortunately, such was not the case with the
Sharjah survey that was provided to the 94th. To plan for the deployment,
the unit had to have correct information concerning dimensions and
numbers of aircraft parking ramps, facilities, Petroleum, Oil, Lubricant (POL)
and support equipment availability, and what security and medical facilities
would be available. The information provided to the 94th was either not
correct or not included. For example, the survey reflected the site had the
capability to handle 64 C-130 aircraft. The actual capability was for 23
aircraft. The survey called for 1,800 personnel, but the actual host country
authorization was finally negotiated for only 800 personnel. "Work arounds"
were established to ensure mission accomplishment despite the limiting
factors. A maintenance officer summed up the situation thusly: 'iWe had
to build the stadium around us while we played the game."50
Resupply
No parts were available at Sharjah for at least three weeks. The
system required to order parts was changed three times and ALCC logistics
personnel directed that the forms be resubmitted. Personnel quickly
became aware that it was absolutely essential to ensure WRSK kits were
kept filled to the maximum extent possible and that proper bench stock
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49 Ltr, 94 TAW/MA to 94 TAW/CC, "After Action Report," [Undated];
JULLS Long Rpt, 94 TAW/MA, 24 Apr 91; Cameron Intvw.
50 Ltr, "Desert Shield After Action Report," 94 TAW/DO to 94 TAW/CC, 2
Jan 91; JULLS Long Rpt, 94 CSG/CC, 24 Apr 91.
15
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