Ellsworth updates tech data system

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As part of a recent Air Force initiative aimed to increase effectiveness, the 28th Maintenance Group transitioned to using more advanced handheld electronic devices to conduct daily operations Sept. 9.

All Air Combat Command bases have fully transitioned to using iPads, replacing the Toughbooks that were being used previously.

Personnel from Langley Air Force Base, Virgina, visited Ellsworth for five days to introduce and familiarize Airmen with the new system.

Master Sgt. Mark Masse, Headquarters ACC acquisitions and finance program manager, administered a briefing for Airmen from different shops in the 28th MXG, informing them of the different capabilities the iPads will bring to their workplaces.

"Not only does the transition save money by operating at 40 percent of the cost, they also save space, making it easy for transportation and deployments," Masse said. "With no removable parts, they reduce foreign object debris risks, minimizing the chance of damage to aircraft." 

Nearly 300 iPads were provided to Ellsworth by ACC, with 4,250 being distributed across the command. In addition to the device itself, protective cases and carrying straps are available to minimize the chance of damage to equipment.

"With this being a brand new program, we welcome feedback from maintenance Airmen," Masse said. "Airmen using the iPads have access to a survey and are encouraged to provide ideas that will make this program as effective as possible."

Along with being able to access technical orders, the iPads are equipped with a communication device that allows any of the 18,000 accounts across ACC the capability to talk and video call with one another - enabling increased mentorship and assistance between maintainers across the command when needed.

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