SecAF: Air Force trading size for quality

Published April 4, 2012
By Mike W. Ray
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In the current economic environment, the best course of action for the U.S. Air Force is to "trade size for quality," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley March 30, 2012, in a keynote address to attendees of the 39th Tinker and Community Dining Out at the Tinker Club.

The secretary said that budget reductions have compelled all branches of the military to balance competing needs, resulting in some tough choices for the Air Force.

"Although the Air Force is downsizing, we must still provide the force structure and capability and be prepared to respond to a dynamic environment," said Secretary Donley.

"Readiness is essential because if we're going to be smaller, we must be prepared."

Despite the cutbacks, the Air Force took action to protect the Air Force's top priorities, such as the long range strike family of systems, including the new bomber, as well as the KC-46 tanker acquisition, key space programs, and advanced ISR, the secretary said.

"Modernization remains a key concern, especially as our fleets age and new technologies drive new investment needs," he said. "In this year's budget proposal, we slow modernization while protecting programs that are critical to future capabilities."

For example, the Air Force has slowed the ramp to full rate production of the fifth generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter while it works through additional testing, he said. Secretary Donley also highlighted taking care of Airmen and their families as a top priority.

"We recognize that our Airmen are our most valuable, most precious asset," the secretary said. "We have a responsibility to do right by our service members ... even as we adjust to strategic and economic realities."

Secretary Donley also discussed the proposed reorganization of the Air Force Materiel Command, from a dozen centers to five, by Oct. 1 this year. The "Five Center Construct" plan calls for the Air Force Sustainment Center to be headquartered at Tinker AFB.

President Obama has nominated Maj. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, for promotion to lieutenant general in order to command the center.

"This effort to streamline the command structure is expected to generate more than $100 million in savings across the command," Secretary Donley said.

In a related matter, the secretary praised the OC-ALC for saving $36 million on the purchase of 1,036 sets of fan blades for F108 jet engines by procuring durable used equipment instead of costlier new fan blades.

"This is the kind of innovative thinking we applaud and encourage," he said.

Secretary Donley also cited two prestigious awards won last year by Tinker military and civilian personnel:

· The Robert T. Mason Award for the best depot-level maintenance program in the Defense Department, presented to Tinker for 45 process-improvement events that resulted in KC-135 flow days being reduced from 216 to 179.

· The Dr. James G. Roche Sustainment Excellence Award presented to the B-1 System Program Office at Tinker, in recognition of the AFMC Aircraft Program Office that demonstrates the most improved performance in fleet sustainment for a given fiscal year.

The secretary said he and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz "lead a world-class institution" and the capability that Team Tinker generates "is part of this success."

In closing, Secretary Donley declared, "an Air Force ready to fly, fight and win. That's our obligation."