EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Airmen from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron and 354th Operations Support Squadron worked together to remove the top 10-foot section of an antenna mast from an Instrument Landing System Oct. 6.

The 60-foot antenna mast was shortened to improve flight safety and reduce airfield obstructions, which provided a cost-effective addition to current equipment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

“A taller structure was originally installed before the navigation system was tailored for aircraft approach,” said Master Sgt. Jennifer Brown, the 354th OSS air traffic control and landing systems superintendent. “This was done with the understanding that any excess would be removed for a lean flightline profile. A lower profile means there is less chance of an aircraft striking the tower on descent.”

Due to the complexity of the project, the completion time was estimated to take one month, however, Brown coordinated local assets and manpower, and the job was accomplished in one week. This doubled as a training opportunity for Airmen involved and saved on contracting funds.

“This was a great training tool for our new Airman,” said Master Sgt. Adam Kelley, the 354th CES section chief of electronic systems. “It allowed us to train Airmen who operate high-reach vehicles during a time when the smallest deviations could be catastrophic to operations.”

The repurposed equipment will be used to repair Andersen’s ILS after sustaining damage from a typhoon. Overall, sending equipment across the Pacific will save approximately $12,000.