Robins Breakout program benefits Air Force, local businesses

  • Published
  • By Amanda Creel
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  The Robins Air Force Base U-2S program is "breaking out" and saving time, energy and money by using the expertise of local businesses.

The 560th Aircraft Sustainment Group, which maintains the U-2 program, has been using the Breakout program since 1985, and base officials said the program has saved the Air Force millions of dollars since its inception.

The Breakout program, charged with finding and using local vendors to produce and repair spare parts for U-2 ground support equipment, spends between $1.5 million and $2 million each fiscal year. The estimated cost avoidance or savings of the program is about $4 million to $5 million annually.

"It's all about breaking items away from the prime contractor and going to local shops in the Middle Georgia area," said David Whiddon, the Breakout program manager. "Not only does the program positively impact the local economy, it does so at a very significant cost reduction to the program compared to the costs of using prime weapons systems contractors."

"The takeaway is we partner with the local small businesses and save a tremendous amount of money," said Debbie Ball, the chief of the weapon system supply chain management division.

Many local shops involved in the program sign letters committing their shop's services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to fulfill the needs of the warfighter and the U-2 mission.

Ms. Ball said one of the perks of using the small local businesses is their enthusiasm.

"They are so proud and very eager to help. If they know we need a part, they'll work extra hours to get that part to us," Ms. Ball said. "They just bend over backward to accomplish the task."

One benefit of the Breakout program is one-on-one communication, said Jeff Stone, the vice president of Stone Machine and Tool, Inc. The machine shop specializes in fabrication and ground support refurbishing.

"The face-to-face communication compared to a telephone call with some agencies we work with makes a big difference," Mr. Stone said.

Another benefit of the improved communication includes the ability to quickly solve or address problems that arise during production or repair.

The program also offers the flexibility to readdress priorities on certain items even after the contract is awarded based on the present needs of the warfighter, Mr. Whiddon said. 

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