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PMEL celebrates 50th anniversary in newly remodeled facility

  • Published
  • By Michelle Hozey
  • 87th Air Base Wing public affairs volunteer
JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  On June 25 the 305th Maintenance Squadron's Test, Measurements and Diagnostic Equipment Flight celebrated the opening of their remodeled Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory. The ribbon-cutting ceremony also coincided with the flight's 50th anniversary. 

The lab was first opened in 1959 and has been through several renovations over the years. Every two years the facility is evaluated by the Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program office (AFMETCAL) to ensure that McGuire's PMEL is up to standard. Upgrades to the building and its systems have been made in order to remain certified by AFMETCAL. 

In 2000, AFMETCAL auditors noted that the building was not large enough to accommodate all the equipment assigned and plans were made to increase the building's size from 11,000 square feet to its current 13,500 square feet. 

"The expansion was a much needed improvement, necessary for continued execution of the mission," said Maj. Elizabeth Clay, 305th Maintenance Squadron commander. 

"This renovation is an amazing transformation from the building I first walked into 30 years ago," said Col. James Weber, 305th Maintenance and Aerial Port Group commander. He noted that the size of the building before the remodel left things cramped and crowded. 

In his speech at the ceremony, Colonel Weber commended the flight. He said they are tougher on themselves because they act as their own Quality Assurance. "They closely monitor everything they do," he said. He explained that every measurement they make and every piece of equipment they calibrate goes back to a higher standard set by AFMETCAL. 

Inside, a stringent temperature and humidity is kept in the laboratory. The building is kept at a steady 73 degrees Fahrenheit. "Measurements can change with the slightest increase or decrease in temperature or humidity," said Master Sgt. Richard Hibbard, Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Chief. If the temperature or humidity change too much everything in the lab will require recalibration. 

Another factor that can affect the precision of measurements is dust. Every Friday the flight thoroughly cleans the lab, Sergeant Hibbard said. Sticky mats on the floor outside the lab remove dirt from the shoes of those who enter in order to keep the laboratory as clean as possible. 

PMEL personnel calibrate more than 15,000 items for 130 aircraft on 10 different wings, including those in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Lajes Field, Portugal. Those items are used by bioenvironmental engineers, vehicle mechanics, ammunition loaders, crew chiefs and civil engineers, communication system technicians, biomedical equipment technicians and traffic management office workers. Nearly 65 percent of their workload comes from off base.