AFMC Command News

Propulsion shops work together, eliminate waste

  • Published
  • By G. A. Volb
  • Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  In the name of increased combat capability, the 388th and 419th Fighter Wing propulsion shops are now working side by side to take advantage of expertise from active-duty and Reserve technicians, while eliminating redundancy.

"The move," according to Tech. Sgt. Valorie Mathes, jet engine intermediate maintenance production supervisor with the 388th Component Maintenance Squadron, "enables us to work leaner, meaner and more concise, as well as provide additional manning to handle any future workloads." Their work, as might be suggested by the name of their shop, involves jet engine maintenance.

"We repair the F110 engines installed in F-16 aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Congreve. "That means performing periodic inspections, teardown and buildup, plus accomplishing time compliance technical orders and maintaining 128 engines."

Sergeant Congreve, a jet engine mechanic with the 419th Maintenance Squadron, said they'll "perform everything from minor repairs to complete overhauls."

The consolidation, he said, aims to leverage the capabilities of each shop.

"We are stronger together than we are apart," stressed Sergeant Congreve. "I was previously stationed at Travis (Air Force Base, Calif.), home of the mighty C-5 Galaxy, and that was an associate wing, both the reserves and active duty working side-by-side."

Here at Hill, the association of the two propulsion shops required moving the entire 419th jet engine shop - personnel, tool and equipment to the 388th's jet shop. It took six months to complete; the challenges included shutting down F110 maintenance for several weeks as troops physically moved equipment, worked access to the 388th facility for the 419th reservists and, as will be the case here, parking availability.

"Modifying the floor plan to accommodate equipment ad expanding from a two dock to a four dock system was first on the priority list," said Sergeant Mathes. It included office space for supervision and supply personnel, plus collocating support personnel and equipment together.

Sergeant Congreve said the "association forced both shops to scrutinize processes and how we go about our daily business. And from this we've learned to use our time more efficiently. We've combined the strengths of both shops, reducing many duplicated efforts, and will continue to learn from each other."

He also stressed that since quality in their business is an essential ingredient to success, they've overcome all the challenges regarding the move while maintaining their goal of zero defects.

"Our shop delivers the finest quality jet engines being installed in F-16s," said Sergeant Congreve. "The association will supply the warfighter with greater, more efficient combat capabilities. It goes along with our goal of maximizing Air Force combat capabilities by capitalizing on the strengths inherent in the Reserves and active-duty forces."

An added benefit was the increased availability of equipment. "There is more equipment to use and more resources available," said Sergeant Mathes. "And we not only learn from each other, but also from the young airmen who have a lot to offer. They open our minds up to thinking 'outside the box.'"

"I think the work force has adapted to the changes admirably," said Sergeant Congreve. "The Reserve technicians stepped up to the challenge of training the young Airman. We enjoy sharing our knowledge with those that are eager to learn."

Sergeant Mathes agreed. "Flexibility was definitely a must. Change is going to happen with or without you, so it all depends on the person and if he or she wants to add their piece into the puzzle." 

Sergeant Mathes said it's all about producing reliable, war-ready engines. "From the Airman signing out tools, crew chiefs controlling engine teardown and buildup, to engine test personnel, we work as a unit."