90th MXG CGOs travel to Hill AFB

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Dominique Boivin, 2nd Lt. James Gutierrez
  • 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron, 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Company grade officers from the 90th Maintenance Group recently went to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to see the Ogden Air Logistics Center as part of the Logistics Officers Association professional development program. 

The trip was an opportunity for Capt. James Spoo, Capt. Naomi Weaver, 1st Lt. Charles Doyle, 2nd Lt. Dominique Boivin, 2nd Lt. Mark Weems and 2nd Lt. James Gutierrez to view depot-level maintenance for various aircraft and ICBM systems. 

Logistics officers at Hill had arranged two days of tours and briefings, which offered attendees the chance to learn how depot-level maintenance is conducted. 

One of the principles that the logistics center is employing is known in the civilian world as the Lean Process, a process that maximizes space and time usage while minimizing wasteful processes. Using Lean, the center streamlined processes allows for a steadier production rate and better product. The center staff reduced travel space between maintenance cells in aircraft generator and landing gear maintenance lines, organized tool kits for specific jobs and streamlined the order in which maintenance is performed. The latter reduced the time needed for depot level maintenance, in some cases by 50 percent. 

The missile flight control, propulsion system rocket engine, and re-entry vehicle maintenance sections began the Lean Process with great success. 

"With the Air Force downsizing, our mantra is, 'Do more with less,'" said Captain Weaver, the Logistics Officers Association president. "The logistics center at Hill is a prime example of the Lean Process. There is a great deal to be learned from what they have accomplished and incorporate those lessons learned into our mission." 

For maintainers, knee deep in bolts and screws, getting parts from depot sometimes take too long. The Warren officers discussed this frustration, especially when requesting out-of-date equipment and parts, with depot contractors. 

"When the depot contractors overhaul a weapon system, they often run into supply issues," Captain Spoo said. "Many parts just can't be pulled off the shelf; they have to be ordered. This process requires a lengthy procedure working with procurement contracting officers and the Defense Logistics Agency." 

In some cases, old manufacturers of specific missile components have gone out of business or refuse to make the part because of the high cost of producing older technology. The Air Force then has to find a new manufacturer and create a new contract taking six or more months, causing delays before production ever starts. The delay is felt back at the requesting bases as they wait for the parts to be produced. 

Lieutenant Weems commented, "It was a real eye-opener because you don't see how in-depth the process is until you go out there and see it firsthand. It gives you an understanding of why it sometimes takes a long time to get some parts."