EMS Airmen revamp bomb dump Published Aug. 16, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Shane Dunaway 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- It may be called a dump, but the Airmen working in the munitions storage area have been pouring their energy into restoring an area of the base affectionately referred to as the bomb dump. The project was started in June 2006 after it was discovered that a leak in the roof of the conventional maintenance building was creating mold, which affected the Airmen assigned there, said Tech. Sgt. Gregory Weavil, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight. "This solitary incident required us to take a long hard look at our infrastructure," Sergeant Weavil said. "After close examination, we realized that this was just the tip of the iceberg." The age of the facilities also played a role in the decision to revitalize the munitions storage area. "With the advancement of technology requires the advancement of infrastructure," Sergeant Weavil said. "We have more and more specialized weapons systems that require specialized testing. The majority of these facilities do not provide the climate control or the power system required to maintain and use these highly advanced pieces of test equipment." Revamping the interior areas of the munitions storage area is only a part of the whole project. Members of the munitions flight have also made additions to its external appearance. "We started by proclaiming to the base who we are and that we are here, which resulted in the creation and placement of the 'Welcome to AMMO Country' sign," Sergeant Weavil said. "Since then, it has been a daily effort to scrape, scrub, patch and fill our facilities and the overall area in an effort to return this area to a state where it needs to be." Even though it's additional work to be done, the Airmen working in the munitions storage area have rallied around the project. "I would have to say the Airmen and non-commissioned officers have shown the most excitement of all involved," Sergeant Weavil said. "The leadership, however, is no less excited in the turn around from where we were, where we are and where we are headed." These Airmen's hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. "The Airmen and leaders are living up to the charge to use resources efficiently and effectively even in times of fiscal constraint," said Chief Master Sgt. Layton Clark, 4th Fighter Wing command chief. Although there is no set timetable for the completion of the project, it doesn't seem to discourage the Airmen pouring their blood, sweat and tears into bettering their surroundings. "No one individual is disillusioned about the fact they may never see this effort to completion," Sergeant Weavil said. "However, they take great pride in knowing that the bomb dump that will be here for future AMMO troops is here because of the groundwork and effort made now."