JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Airmen at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson are using advanced laser technology to streamline corrosion control, improving efficiency and safety in maintaining flightline equipment.
The 3rd Maintenance Squadron recently implemented laser stripping technology to accelerate the process of removing corrosion and repainting equipment exposed to Alaska’s extreme weather. The process, known as ablation, uses a high-powered laser to strip paint and corrosion in a precise and controlled manner.
“We have the technology now, and we’re training Airmen to use it,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Henry, a corrosion control supervisor with the 3rd MXS. “It takes a little time to get the hang of, but it dramatically cuts down the time need-ed for each part.”
The Corrosion Control division, part of the 3rd MXS, handles approximately 3,200 parts and pieces of flightline equipment annually. Keeping up with the demand is critical to maintaining operational readiness, making efficiency a top priority.
Traditional corrosion removal methods, such as sandblasting and chemical stripping, can take up to four hours for a single part less than eight inches long. Laser stripping reduces that time to about 20 minutes, according to Senior Airman Nathaniel Deis, a corrosion technician with the 3rd MXS.
“Instead of spending hours setting up chemical treatments and safety procedures, I can focus on getting the job done faster,” Deis said.
In addition to saving time, laser technology reduces health risks for Airmen. Chemical stripping requires significant protective gear and exposes personnel to hazardous substances. The new process eliminates exposure to toxic chemicals while still achieving the same results.
“I don’t have to worry about acid strippers anymore,” Deis said. “I used to spend a lot of time referencing safety data sheets and double-checking chemical handling procedures. Now, the process is cleaner, safer and a lot more efficient.”
Although laser stripping has its own safety considerations, such as the risk of burns or eye injuries, trained Airmen face significantly fewer hazards compared to handling toxic chemicals. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that 42% of service members screened for health risks have concerns about toxic exposure, making the shift to safer maintenance practices a priority across the Air Force.
Only four Air Force installations currently use laser stripping technology, with JBER operating the largest system in service. The base has been working for years to acquire, certify and train personnel on the new process, according to Henry.
Before working on operational equipment, Airmen complete extensive training on test parts to ensure precision and consistency. The 3rd MXS plans to expand training efforts in the coming months to qualify more Airmen on the technology.
As the Air Force modernizes maintenance operations, JBER is at the forefront of innovation, integrating new technologies to enhance safety, efficiency and mission readiness.