PMEL: Precision for Whiteman

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Edward Randall, Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory site manager accepts the Certificate of Compliance for Whiteman’s Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory from Colonel Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. PMEL recently completed their biennial certification by the Air Force Metrology and Calibration program office. (US Air Force Photo/SrA Jason Huddleston)

PMEL: Precision for Whiteman

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Tony Garrison, Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory technician, adjusts an Optical Transit Square. The piece of equipment is primarily used to align B-2 surfaces. Mr. Garrison is using a Height Transfer Standard apparatus for the procedure, which takes about 10 hours if all goes well. (US Air Force Photo/SSgt Bryan Vandersommen)

PMEL: Precision for Whiteman

Published June 11, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Bryan Vandersommen
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Most Whiteman Airmen know of precision munitions - the kind that can destroy a single house and almost leave neighbors sleeping. But few probably know what lies behind that simple term, precision. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Edward Randall can attest to the importance of precision, for the B-2 weapons system and the entire base.

"The quality of everyone's business starts right here," said Mr. Randall, Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) manager. Yulista Management Services, contracted for Whiteman PMEL, employs civilian technicians to maintain standards for over 7,000 separate items from units base-wide. The team performs maintenance on about 600 pieces per month.

Torque wrenches, B-2 scales, radar guns and humidity meters that ensure integrity of the B-2's absorbent coating are only a few of the items maintained by PMEL. With measuring equipment tolerances to hundredths of an inch, precision should be the first word one associates with Whiteman PMEL. The second should be experience.

"Our least experienced team member has 25 years," said Mr. Randall. "We have the benefit of a consistent personnel arrangement, and are well provided for by the wing." PMEL recently completed their biennial certification by the Air Force Metrology and Calibration program office.

"The results were outstanding," said Col. James Reavis, 509th Maintenance Group commander. "There were 'zero quality nonconformities'. This is something they almost never see during the certification process." The 509th MXG has administrative responsibility for PMEL.

The Whiteman PMEL's accomplishments are the result of dedication to the unbroken chain of quality, accuracy and traceability, the guiding standard of Air Force Metrology. The process begins with the US National Institute of Standards and Technology and goes through the Air Force Primary Standards Lab to base PMELs, guaranteeing the accuracy of instruments and equipment.

Measurements are the surest knowledge. So if knowing is half the battle, Whiteman Warriors can go forth confidently with PMEL on their side.

Related Links:
National Institutes of Standards

Air Force Metrology and Calibration