Air Force depots exceed major maintenance goals

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  For the second consecutive year, the Air Force's three air logistics centers exceeded their aircraft production goal and met their engine production goal, putting more hardware essential to the global war on terrorism and peacetime training missions into the hands of U.S. warfighters.

The overall on-time delivery rate for aircraft rose to 96 percent, an all-time high, according to statistics for fiscal year 2005 collected and analyzed by the logistics and sustainment directorate at Air Force Materiel Command headquarters. In all, the AFMC work force at the three depots and the contractor work force produced 1,152 aircraft, of which 239 were unscheduled for maintenance, but serviced because of need.

For aircraft produced organically, that is, in-house at AFMC facilities, the composite on-time production rate was even higher -- 99.2 percent. The established standard is 92 percent.

Contractor workers improved their on-time rates from 76.8 percent in 2004 to 89.9 percent.

"I'm in awe of our people for what they've accomplished," said Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander. "It's obvious to me that from the senior leadership at our depots on down to the people turning the wrenches, the hard work and innovative thinking they've displayed have been the difference between success and failure."

Brig. Gen. Gary T. McCoy, AFMC director of logistics and sustainment, called the accomplishment "incredible."

"This was a banner production year for our three logistics centers," General McCoy said. "What this really means is that our combined team of Air Force civilians, military members and contractors returned more aircraft and engines to the warfighters -- more front-line capability for the global war on terrorism. As an American, it makes me extremely proud of these committed patriots who are working so hard to ensure our warriors have what they need to get the job done."

Work quality on the aircraft produced had logisticians celebrating as well. The number of defects per aircraft averaged 0.3.

Additionally, engines produced met the goal of 334.

In the aircraft sustainment world, production refers to completion of required maintenance on aircraft and engines. Production sometimes is unscheduled because of an immediate need for maintenance or overhaul, but more often production is a scheduled requirement known as programmed depot maintenance.

The air logistics centers, or depots, are located at Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Tinker AFB, Okla.; and Robins AFB, Ga. They report to AFMC headquarters here.

Significant improvements in on-time delivery rates the past two fiscal years evolved from the practical implementation of "Lean" transformation practices. Lean is a methodology designed to create value, eliminate waste and allow an organization to adapt quickly to change.

Earlier this month, the three air logistics centers each received the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. The Shingo prize recognizes organizations that apply innovative manufacturing strategies and practices to achieve world-class results. Prior to 2005, the Shingo prize was awarded only to private-sector companies.  (Courtesy of AFMC News Service)