Base Maintenance and Support Equipment

The Base Maintenance and Support Equipment program (Budget Line Item 845990) is a critical Air Force procurement initiative under the Other Procurement, Air Force appropriation. Its primary objective is to acquire, upgrade, and sustain a diverse array of equipment essential for the safe and effective operation of Air Force installations worldwide. The program supports both in-garrison and deployed operations. This ensures that Air Force units can meet mission requirements, maintain readiness, and execute the National Defense Strategy.

Aircraft Arresting Systems (AAS) are a major focus of this line item. These systems, including mobile and fixed aircraft arresting systems, are vital for safe flight operations, particularly for fighter aircraft as well as for allied and Navy aircraft equipped with tailhooks. The AAS are designed to safely stop aircraft during aborted take-offs, in-flight emergencies, or brake and hydraulic failures. Their deployment at both base and forward locations supports rapid response and contingency operations.

Cargo Pallets and Nets provide the means to efficiently load, secure, and transport cargo on Air Force and Department of Defense aircraft. These items are essential for maintaining aircraft balance and safety during flight, and they support users across the Department of Defense. The procurement of legacy and low-profile pallets and nets ensures the global mobility of personnel, equipment, and supplies. This directly enables the execution of strategic airlift missions.

Small Munitions Trailers and Aircraft Engine Trailers are procured to support the movement, loading, and shipping of various munitions and aircraft engines. These trailers are capable of carrying conventional and nuclear munitions, supporting a broad range of aircraft including bombers, fighters, and cargo planes. The replacement of aging trailers addresses reliability and obsolescence issues, reducing maintenance costs and supporting operational safety.

Base Logistics and Support Equipment (BLSE) encompasses a wide range of mission-critical items such as flightline fire extinguishers, hydraulic rescue kits, fuel tank seal kits, anti-intrusion alarms, and self-contained breathing apparatus. These items are necessary for both routine and emergency operations. BLSE supports base security, aircraft maintenance, and rapid deployment capabilities, and its timely procurement prevents mission stoppages and operational degradation.

Base Calibration Standards (AFMETCAL) funding supports the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory and Precision Measurement Laboratories (PMELs) across the service. These calibration standards ensure that all measurements are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is critical for the safety and sustainment of Air Force weapon systems, communications, civil engineering, and biomedical operations. This capability underpins the reliability of test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment used in a variety of missions, including airlift, nuclear deterrence, and cyber defense.

Other items funded under this line include mechanized material handling equipment, power conditioning equipment, and specialized support for new mission requirements such as maintenance facilities and future pilot training centers. The program also supports initiatives that enhance the Air Force's ability to respond to emerging threats and maintain global reach.