Ground safety: award of distinction

TSgt Canning developed a plan to control and reduce the Foreign Object Damage (FOD) potential at the engine test facility for both TF34 and F110 turbo fan engines. The previous FOD removal method of water washing was detrimental to the construction of the sound retardant baffles. Water was being absorbed by the basalt-wool sound retardant materiel, trapping the moisture and causing corrosion to the metal framing. In turn, the metal corrosion produced FOD at a rate greater than corrosion prevention measures could stop its progression. His creativity led to the requisition of a commercial leaf blower to remove FOD from the huge intake and cooling baffles of the "Hush Houses." Sgt Canning also implemented a weekly plan to use a vacuum cleaner to extract any particles wedged in test bay floor expansion joint cracks. This area was previously missed by the water washing method. Since implementation of the new procedures, the potential for FOD has been virtually eliminated and no FOD incidents have occurred. Sgt Canning also implemented a run screen preservation plan that far exceeds technical order guidance. To protect the run screens fragile nylon/cotton material from dry rotting and tearing, the screens' are changed out monthly versus the technical order recommendation of using them until they become unserviceable. Additionally, the screens are now stored inside and out of direct sunlight and weather to make them less susceptible to FOD being introduced from outside debris and premature dry rotting. TSgt Canning's sound decisions and practical applications in every aspect of FOD awareness has virtually eliminated the FOD potential in the engine test facility. This has reduced the chances for a catastrophic engine failure resulting from FOD ingestion, thus preventing engine blade liberation and subsequent damage to multi-million dollar equipment and loss of life.

TSgt Thomas J. Canning, 20th Component Maint. Sqdn., 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, South Carolina

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