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Special Purpose technicians keep the engines running

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan McCollum, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Special Purpose technician, cuts a metal joint on a staircase truck using an oxy-acetylene torch at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2021. Depending on the ratio of oxygen and acetylene, the torch can be used to either weld or cut. To remove the staircase from the top of the truck, all four metal joints are heated to a specific temperature and a stream of oxygen is used to slice through them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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18 LRS Special Purpose technicians break it down

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cory Ireland, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of Special Purpose Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery, secures rope around the staircase portion of staircase truck at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2021. Vehicles deemed beyond repair are assigned for removal from the fleet and taken off base. The staircase truck must be modified so it can be transported safely, due to bridges on the planned route only allowing for a height clearance of 161 inches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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18 LRS Special Purpose technicians break it down

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ray Ceragioli, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Special Purpose technician, operates a crane supporting the stair portion of a staircase truck at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2021. When a vehicle is deemed not fit for use, it can require problem-solving to get it ready for removal. The size, weight and amount of damage to the vehicle are all taken into consideration during the planning phase of the removal process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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18 LRS Special Purpose technicians break it down

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ray Ceragioli, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Special Purpose technician, operates a crane supporting the stair portion of a staircase truck at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2021. Preparing a vehicle for removal is a multi-step process that can vary depending on the base. It commonly involves draining all fluids, removing military symbols and taking off license plates. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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18 LRS Special Purpose technicians break it down

Plant life grows in the cracks of a decaying staircase truck at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2021. In a humid environment like Okinawa, preventative measures are taken to slow the oxidation of metal that results in rust. Retiring a vehicle is the last resort after all usable parts have been salvaged. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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18 LRS Special Purpose technicians break it down

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Special Purpose shop use a jack to maneuver a staircase truck into position at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2021. Special Purpose is one of nine sections in the vehicle maintenance flight with the common goal of maintaining base vehicle assets to keep them mission ready. Special Purpose Airmen service a vehicle for its entire lifecycle – performing inspections and maintenance on it until it needs to be removed from the fleet, and then preparing it for retirement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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18 LRS Special Purpose technicians break it down

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cory Ireland, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of Special Purpose Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery, stands inside the Special Purpose office at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2021. The Special Purpose shop is responsible for maintaining over 800 vehicle assets, ranging from sweepers used for base beautification to towing vehicles for moving heavy equipment. The shop primarily focus on assets with hydraulics, which includes flight line vehicles, a vital part of keeping jets in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte)

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