What's old is new again at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass., as technicians there borrow a solution developed years ago at Robins Air Force Base.

When the Air Force transferred its C-5 depot maintenance workload to Robins in the 1990s, local officials faced a dilemma.

They had no hangar that could accommodate the Galaxy's impressive T-tail that stood 65 feet off the tarmac.

So they built a mobile enclosure tall enough to cover the tail. When the C-5 was pulled nose first into an existing hangar, the mobile cover was positioned over the tail, creating a totally enclosured, weather-proof work environment.

Workers at Westover will use their new, $4.2 version to enclose what will become a regional isochronal inspection dock.

"It will increase productivity for sure," Master Sgt. Jeffrey Schillawski is quoted in a press release issued by the northern tier base. Schillawski is the regional isochronal inspection dock day shift supervisor for the 439th Maintenance Squadron.

"When you are fighting the elements, it will always take a lot longer," he added.

The enclosure is expected to be completed and in use next spring.

"This will enable us to continually become more efficient and better suited to withstand New England's notoriously cold winters," the senior sergeant said.