Agreement enhances hydraulic repairs at Hill

  • Published
  • By G. A. Volb
  • Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) --  Ogden Air Logistics Center officials completed a partnering agreement with Parker Aerospace Dec. 18 paving the way for enhanced warfighter support.

According to Hill AFB officials, the public-private sector team integrates the best of both worlds to meet 21st century warfighter needs on weapon systems that include the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, C-17 Globemaster III and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.

"Partnering with Parker adds proficiency to the depot by establishing a C-17 repair capability," said Judy Stephens-Smith, squadron director for the 531st Commodities Maintenance Squadron at Hill AFB. "Currently, Parker is the only contractor with that hydraulic repair capability."

She said Parker is also an original equipment manufacturer of hydraulic components used on many additional weapon systems the Commodities Group repairs today.

"For example, under the new partnership, we'll work with them to enhance our F-16 hydraulics repair facility by improving equipment and better work processes," said Ms. Stephens-Smith.

The agreement could eventually lead to cost savings and increased productivity for both partners.

"This is just the beginning," said Joseph Ash, director of Military Customer Support for Parker at their Aerospace Group in Irvine, Calif. "By creating a team approach, we can resolve issues and improve processes to ensure the warfighters get what they need.

"Essentially," Mr. Ash said, "the partnership enables our team -- Hill and Parker -- to complete a joint goal. We have historically viewed each other as competitors, but in the transformation of the Air Force and the civilian sector, we're creating a 'win-win' situation. With us working with the depot, the work loads will increase, meaning more jobs at the depot. And as for savings, we'll be able to work on long-range forecasts which will enable us to get the best price for the taxpayer."

Since Parker has fuel, hydraulic, electrical, and/or associated hardware on every aircraft the military operates, the team concept is an obvious move, said Ms. Stephens-Smith.

"They (Parker) have technology, engineering and technical data that are critical to our success in meeting warfighter needs, and we have the facilities, equipment, and a large, dedicated workforce that will benefit Parker," said Ms. Stephens-Smith. "Combining public and private sector strengths will let each use its greatest resources to meet Department of Defense goals."

The efficient use of taxpayer dollars always a concern, Ms. Stephens-Smith said the savings "in labor costs through improved processes, as well as reduced inventory cost due to lower throughput time --- with pipeline spares reduction the greatest side of the savings equation."

Initial maintenance interaction between the two partners will consist of determining the requirements for the C-17 facility and updating processes, technical data, and equipment for some F-16 components.

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