LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
Lackland AFB recently began shrink wrapping buses to raise morale on base and raise awareness for visitors coming to the base.
"The buses are highly visible vehicles used to show distinguished visitors around, and that gives them a first look at what they are going to see when they get here," said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Clover of the 37th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
Three buses are already wearing Air Force décor, and there are plans to have a total of 40 buses in Lackland AFB's decorated fleet.
The next batch of buses will probably undergo the shrink wrapping process some time in January.
"We've had so much success so far that we have gotten approval to start with the next batch," Sergeant Glover said.
While the main bus is almost entirely covered in shrink wrap, Sergeant Glover says that the rest of the buses will not undergo such elaborate decoration.
"That is our flagship if you will," Sergeant Glover said. "It truly is a sight to see."
The bus that Sergeant Glover is referring to has a military training instructor leading trainees on the sides of the bus, and also has a warhawk with the 37th Training Wing patch replacing the pupil of one of its eyes on the back of the bus.
The shrink wrapping process can take up to two weeks depending on how elaborate the designs are.
The material is first stretched over the hard panels of the bus, avoiding the windows. When those parts are finished the windows are covered with a thinner material to ensure a safe amount of visibility.
The bus is done piece by piece and broken up into many different sections.
"It's really just like a big puzzle," Sergeant Glover said.
The removal process is not as time consuming as the initial placement.
"It's pretty much just like a sticker," Sergeant Glover said. "The wrap just peels right off."
The buses can be pressure washed just like any other vehicle. The project began in April, and so far has cost $8,000.
"We are really proud of how this has turned out. When they are finished they don't look like the same vehicle," Sergeant Glover said.