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Logistics Officers Association focuses on ICBM sustainment and networking

  • Published
  • By By 2nd Lt. Nikita Thorpe
  • 90th Missiles Wing

F.E. Warren’s Cowboy Chapter of the Logistics Officer Association took 15 Airmen on a professional development excursion to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to broaden their perspective of the supply chain while providing networking opportunities with other Air Force LOA members, Aug. 7-11.

 

LOA’s vision is to be a cutting-edge, professional development organization which uniquely identifies and bridges the gap between the dynamic global defense logistics environment. It is comprised of officers, senior noncommissioned officers and civilians in the logistics and maintenance career fields.

 

“Our aim is to provide networking opportunities for our members,” said 1st Lt. Evan Hanson, LOA Cowboy Chapter president. “Those opportunities, coupled with our professional development events, build bridges between supply and maintenance and expand their perspective.”

 

The trip included tours and briefings from entities such as the Defense Logistics Agency, ICBM Systems Directorate and the 309th Missile Maintenance Group. Every agency emphasized their common goal of continuous process improvement.

 

The tours and briefings sparked ideas and a desire to collaborate with the LRS and MX officers and enlisted members in attendance. Airmen from the Hill Air Force Base LOA chapter dined with the group while swapping ideas and sharing information.

 

 “We were recently introduced to continuous process improvement or “Art of the Possible,” said Hanson. “Some offices have been able to reduce their production time from 160 days to 30 days. That shows us what we can gain from mapping out the various processes and determining how we can streamline our workload.”

 

The agenda broadened the participants’ perspective on how other AFSC’s contribute to ICBM sustainment. They were equipped with practical ways to support the process at the wing level.

 

“It’s an eye opener to see the logistical side of things, like their timeline and how all these agencies act together as one unit,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Klatt, 790th Maintenance Squadron NCO in charge of power, refrigeration and electrical application. “As a senior NCO, I can develop strategies within my organization and collaborate with base supply to better perform maintenance.”

 

The participants took the opportunity to network during each site visit, because knowing who to contact and how to get answers is priceless.

 

“The trip had a lot of information shared, and it’s a given that you will not remember it all,” said Lt. Col. Shad Colgate, 90th Maintenance Group deputy commander. “The value is in the cross-talks and conversations at dinner or on the bus that link you to someone you can work with to better complete the mission.”

 

To join the LOA at F.E Warren, call 307-773-2658.