The shop, a part of the 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, manufactures and repairs a multitude of aircraft products, including foam structures, blankets and aircraft support slings for aircraft like the C-5, C-130, C-17, F-15, and the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft as part of its day-to-day mission.

However, with the workforce’s need for masks becoming a pressing issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, base leaders called upon the shop to make face coverings for units across the installation.

Bobby Jones, first line supervisor for the Fabric and Foam Shop under the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron’s Repair Flight, said COVID-19 has presented a new challenge for his shop.

“We had to figure out how to protect not only ourselves, but also how to protect Robins as a whole,” he said. “We have 10 people in our shop. About half of them are working on the masks while the others are focusing on our shop’s main mission.”

Jones said the shop has made more than 500 masks since it started around mid-April.

As the crew completes masks, Jones said his leadership works with other units’ leadership around the base to distribute the masks where they are needed.

Jones said he is proud of the work his shop is doing.

“It amazes me how well our shop is performing under pressure and meeting the challenge of their mission on top of providing valuable personal protective equipment for Robins during this pandemic,” he said. “They’ve worked tirelessly to make sure the heart of our mission – the people – are taken care of while they are taking care of the warfighter.”

Jones said he expects the team will continue its work to provide masks for at least three more weeks, barring any changes in direction from base leadership.