Repair work moved from Japan stateside

Published March 25, 2011
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In the wake of Japan's devastation, the Air Force is lending a hand.

The Air Force has moved nine F110 engines situated in or destined for Japanese or The Republic of Korea air bases. The repairable engines were sent to stateside Air Force Bases and the serviceable engines were prepositioned in South Korea. The decision enables Pacific Air Forces to concentrate on the clean-up and rebuilding efforts, while ensuring the Air Force remains operational and vital. Additionally, a T400 engine, which powers a UH-1N helicopter, has been shipped to Yokota Air Base, Japan, to assist with search-and-rescue missions.

"It's critical that no matter what the crisis that our Air Force units have engines available to continue the mission," said Tim Shannon, Oklahoma Air Logistics Center Aerospace Sustainment Directorate's Propulsion Sustainment Division Lead Logistics manager for the F110 engine. "In the case of the recent relief effort in Japan, Misawa Air Base is the repair facility charged with support front line units in Korea. It's critical that engine support not be interrupted and that our adversaries and allies alike know we are flexible and responsive to any situation."

The engines are maintained through the Repair Network Integration initiative, which means regardless of where the engines are repaired or by which Department of Defense service, each installation uses standardized practices and processes.

"What I love about RNI is that it doesn't matter if the unit supporting the repair activity is active duty, guard, reserve or other sister services," said Brenden Shaw, RNI lead for Propulsion in OC-ALC/GKG. "The integration initiative is a collaborative and synergistic approach to performing repair that challenges us to think logistically outside the box from how we've supported our warfighters historically."

Of the nine engines being moved, three are repairables that were already in shipment and have been redirected; six are serviceable spares. The F110 powers the F-14 B/D Super Tomcat, F-15K/F-15 SG Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-16 XL.
Mr. Shannon said no F110 engines have been exposed to nuclear radiation.

The decision to move the engines was determined March 16 and 17 by RNI managers at PACAF Headquarters, Air Combat Command Headquarters, Misawa AB and the OC-ALC.

"It is refreshing to see a 'can-do' attitude when working through unique and trying circumstances," Mr. Shannon said. "The RNI network stepped up and ensured uninterrupted mission support in Korea without a second thought, which shows the strength of American character and teamwork."