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Robins ALC production continues in positive direction

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  With one month remaining in fiscal year 2015, the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex will soon close out another chapter in the aircraft sustainment business and successfully return weapon systems to the warfighter.

Through years of continuous process improvements and implementing a standardized system in the way that business is performed -- known as 'Art of the Possible' -- it is just one more encouraging step in the right direction.

"Last month was another positive step toward achieving our goal of being the best on the planet," said Doug Keene, WR-ALC special assistant to the commander.

The positive, steady trend is not by accident at all, said Keene, but rather by design and based on a methodical, consistent approach in the way aircraft are maintained across the three air logistics complexes, including Robins.

As of Aug. 31 in the WR-ALC, with one month to go in the fiscal year, five C-5s have been produced; 64 C-17s; 51 C-130s; and, 68 F-15s.

In the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group, commodity lines have produced 30,916 units as of Aug. 31. The 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group produced 76,467 units; and, in the 402nd Software Maintenance Group, 244 projects have been completed.

In squadrons such as the 559th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, it took several years to arrive at an improved process that realized results that have improved speed and reduced flow days for aircraft.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, flow days were averaging about 422 days with a work-in-progress of 12 aircraft. Fast forward several years to fiscal year 2015, and, due to CPI activities and retirement of aging aircraft, the squadron's goal is to operate at 220 flow days, with a WIP of four aircraft for the last two fiscal years.

That didn't happen by accident, either.

"We keep improving our process, aligning things so they flow together better," said Dave Nakayama, 559 AMXS director. "We're still not satisfied -- we still want to improve. The 'Art of the Possible' tremendously improved the standardization between all the production lines, not just at Robins, but at all three air logistics complexes.
 
"We are a great value for the money spent here," he added. "But what we're seeking to do under 'Art of the Possible' is continue to improve performance, not rest on our laurels."