The red-warning beacon light froze quiet on that cold 24th of December day. Nothing was going to make this test flight continue without a proper working beacon light, the Federal Aviation Regulations made sure of that! The flight cut through the clouds and below, Ramstein Air Force Base, welcomed a smooth emergency landing. The landing didn’t take place on the famous flight line, but rather in the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron incoming parking lot. Santa Claus didn’t trust anyone else to work on his sleigh.
Old Saint Nick climbed out of his sleigh and collected his proper documents. SSgt Bryan Williams met Santa outside the Customer Service office. “Santa is it a frozen super charger again?” SSgt Williams asked welcoming him with a big warm hug.
“No Bryan, its my warning beacon light, do we have one in stock?” Santa asked while handing over his properly filled out 1800 form.
“It’s not looking good, but are these scratches on the waiver form?”
Santa wasn’t sure, but he definitely remembered that rough winter night trip with Ms. Claus. Those icebergs came out of nowhere! But, luckily Santa turned in his sleigh right afterwards and it was document on the waiver card.
“Santa, it looks like we might have to keep your sleigh over night since it is due for the yearly schedule maintenance. We will have to grease all the bells, perform a proper weight stress test, and we finally got in that upgrade for the twinkle booster generator. This will allow you to fly 15% faster!”
“But what about Christmas? Will it be ready by tonight?” Santa asks nervously.
“Santa, we will try, but there is no telling when this inspection and repairs will be accomplished.” SSgt Williams uncertainly whispered.
Santa Claus handed over his candy cane shaped key, kissed his trusty reindeers goodbye, and walked towards Vehicle Ops. He arranged for a room in the KMCC but needed some transportation to get there. Good thing he knew SrA Charles Cooper at Vehicle Ops. Who joyfully picked Santa up and drove him to the hotel without any delay.
Back at Vehicle Maintenance, SSgt Charles Smith got his little helpers to pull the old sleigh over the pit and performed the normal routine preventative maintenance. SSgt Smith completed a parts request for the beacon light and delivered it to Materiel Control.
“Great news, SSgt Smith, we have one in supply. Let me order it and it should be here shortly… since Santa’s sleigh always has high priority.” SSgt Thomas Kessler assured.
SSgt Smith left the request and headed back to GP light to work and inspect the world famous sleigh. At the same time SSgt Kessler ordered and tracked the needed part from the Supply office at the 86th Logistic Readiness Squadron. The help desk promised for a fast turn around. With the support of Vehicle Ops, the part got delivered within the hour. Just in time, since the maintenance shop just completed their inspection and was waiting for this high profile part. The mechanics expertly replaced the beacon light and pushed the sleigh to the ready line.
Without hesitation, the magical sleigh got a thorough quality inspection from the Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent, passed, and the work order was closed by SrA Tonya Jeffers who also called Santa Claus to give him the great news.
“Are you sure, this was very fast. I was just about to eat some warm cookies and watch some great AFN commercials, “Santa cheerfully questioned.
“Yes Santa, your sleigh is ready for pick up, “ SrA Jeffers guaranteed.
Santa jumped out of bed and picked up his glasses, checked out of the hotel, and jumped on a Blue Bird Bus where he got dropped off in front of the 86VRS compound. He saw his sleigh and noticed something different.
“Bryan… where are my scratches?”
“Santa, the body shop took care of those and our maintenance professionals completed the safety checks, installed the upgrade booster, and replaced the faulty beacon light. Your sleigh is now ready for tonight!” SSgt Bryan noted as he handed over the red and white striped key.
Santa Claus jumped in his sleigh, smiled at SSgt Williams, and with a gentle tug on the black leather strap, whooshed up the sky. With his famous-loud HoHoHo, he also shouted, “I can always count on the 86th VRS” as he disappeared above the Ramstein Air Force Base flighline.
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