BSEt Employee of the Quarter - Q1, 2024
Donald Bruce
- Electronics Technician II
- Gulfport, MS
- Took it upon himself to perform an extensive cleanup operation of the DRMS radio installation, meticulously completing cable management within the CCS operations area – ensuring optimal functionality and providing a professional appearance.
- Traveled to 149 FW San Antonio to perform equipment installation and conduct training for BSEt newest hire at the site.
- Prior to the visit it was determined that some of the Orion equipment had wi-fi capability within the consoles, resulting in the equipment having to be sent back to the manufacturer and refitted. Don installed the refitted Orion radio management equipment. Upon noting that the console locations had been changed/moved, he had to rework the wiring to complete the infrastructure required for the new console locations. He also had to complete the wiring for the SOF tower console location.
- Took on the primary role of training on War Room operations and missions for 149 FW San Antonio technician – Kolbe Kinghorn.
- Took the initiative to lead troubleshooting efforts with challenges arising from the DRMS system affecting Gulfport (GPT) Radios.
- Don and the team put in over 133 hrs working with the DRMS Help Desk / personnel to isolate and correct the myriad of issues that were plaguing the system. This included numerous configurations and replacement of components.
- Don worked with visiting DRMS engineers in further troubleshooting the system. Returning system to 70% viability rate.
- Don recognized the need to efficiently track issues concerning DRMS. He initiated and implemented the DRMS trouble log – ensuring issues, solutions, manhours, etc are accurately documented and accounted for.
- Was tasked with dismantling and repositioning equipment racks & equipment in the GPT radio shelter. the initiative to lead troubleshooting efforts with challenges arising from the DRMS system affecting Gulfport (GPT) Radios.
- During the original install, DRMS personnel installed the rack too close to the rear of the building leaving limited room to work and stress on the connections. Don remedied this by relocating the rack giving proper clearance.
- Don addressed the perceived grounding issues that were suspected of causing ongoing radio problems by coordinating building ground & ground loop checks performed by certified electricians. He cleaned up the grounding cables leading to the building and streamlined the equipment grounding.
- Don optimized cable management to rectify deficiencies in the DRMS installation – providing professional appearance and alleviating areas of cable stress.
- Provided daily ACMI support to VFC-204 and VFA-125 during their training exercises – facilitating the evaluation of F-35 support capabilities.
- Contributed to the Ft Smith AR microwave radio installation project by performing the design & build of antenna mounting assemblies – ensuring efficient integration & ease of installation.