554 RHS, 36 MXS work together Published April 19, 2007 By Airman Basic Evan Carter 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The 554th RED HORSE Squadron and the 36th Maintenance Squadron are working together to accomplish a common goal -- the mission. Members of the 554 RHS have been utilizing the metals technology shop at the 36 MXS building to weld metal embeds for concrete panels. The panels, which are 20 ft tall and in excess of 20 tons, will be used to connect and secure together Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB's) at Northwest Field. Without this collaboration, the 554 RHS couldn't tie the concrete panels together and their timeline would be drastically increased explained Staff Sgt. John Macias, 554 RHS. "We are teaming up with the maintenance squadron so we can use their equipment and facilities. We have been using for more than a month now because we don't have the machines (Iron Worker) and no shop," said Sergeant Macias. "Until construction is finished, which our welding is currently supporting we have no facility to work out of." The RED HORSE welders are using their own materials and workers at the 36 MXS Metals Technology shop. While the maintainers ensure the equipment is functional. Through this effort, the 554 RHS is saving about $15,0000 and several months of downtime while a contractor performs the same task. RED HORSE welders have completed more than 500 metal embeds and are still making more. Throughout the Air Force, squadrons are constantly working together to accomplish the mission. Without this kind of cooperation, accomplishing the mission can be a much more strenuous task according to Sergeant Macias. In the case of the 36 MXS and 554 RHS collaboration, the 36 MXS play a vital role in supporting the construction the 554 RHS is doing in Northwest Field. These key buildings will eventually house offices or back shops that will directly impact possible aircraft operations from its runways. Tech. Sgt. Damon Tofte, 36 MXS fabrication flight chief, said if his shop can make someone's job easier or have an impact on the quality of life, then that person will be more productive in doing his or her job. "Through my years of service, I've learned that we're all part of a team. Some play only their own positions, some more aggressive than others," said Sergeant Tofte. "I feel you have to look past positions and see how or what one can contribute to impact the people as well as the mission." RED HORSE welders plan to continue turning out embeds until they feel they have enough to complete their mission. Currently, they have an estimated goal of 100 more to complete before they are finished.