restoration

The slow process of returning the Transporter Erector from one end of Goddard Drive to its permanent home at the Malmstrom Museum on the other end of Goddard Drive too place March 31. The TE was removed June 3, 2009, for restoration work to be done on it by the 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron's allied trade shop. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton)

Second successful restoration project returns to Malmstrom Museum

Published April 8, 2010
By Valerie Mullett
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- In the early part of June 2009, a team of vehicle maintainers from the 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron pooled their talents and embarked on a journey to restore the 1962 transporter erector that calls the Malmstrom Museum its home. All but two of that original team were unable to see the project through to completion due to permanent change of station moves, retirements and deployments.

But a new team, led by those two veterans with more than 72 years of body work experience between them, took on the challenge. On March 31, the restored vehicle was returned to its resting place looking like it did 48 years ago - or at least - better than it did last June.

Work on the transporter erector had to be accomplished in between mission dependent duties for the body shop, according to Staff Sgt. Heather Souza, NCOIC of the allied trade shop.

"When we initially got the vehicle here, we started to prep it for the restoration," Sergeant Souza said. "Then we were notified of an upcoming inspection and the restoration got put on hold so we could prepare for that while still tending to the daily needs of the Malmstrom vehicle fleet."

At that point, the vehicle had been stripped, meaning anything that was bolted to it had been removed, and one of the doors had been sanded extensively.

The last time any work was done on this vehicle was about 10 years ago, according to Curt Shannon, Malmstrom Museum director.

Former assistant NCOIC of allied trades Tech. Sgt. Shane Jackson, initially said the hardest part of this project would be all the hand sanding required because of all the nooks and crannies.

The team of Dave Marzolf and Senior Airman Bryan Seybold spent four days sanding the vehicle in preparation for the paint.

Airman Seybold then teamed with the other veteran bodyman Rex Jewitt to spend four days painting the vehicle.

Senior Airman Shane McDonald took a day to perform the final touches and finishing works.

It took one day to get everything that was removed reassembled on the vehicle.

Then the foursome spent another three days steam cleaning it.

"What is unique about this opportunity is that it allowed two of our Airmen to receive upgrade training while working on this project," said Master Sgt. Shayne Pederson, 341st LRS vehicle fleet manager. "We don't have an AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) for body mechanics any more. Both Airman Seybold and McDonald are engine mechanics."

It seemed to be a win-win experience for everyone.

"I couldn't be happier with the results," Mr. Shannon said. "Those guys can be proud of the work they did on this because hundreds of people every day drive by the museum. It is a visible accomplishment for them and one that I truly appreciate. Just like the work they did on the ambulance to restore it, I can't thank them enough."