Center strives to improve B-52 PDM line Published Feb. 25, 2011 By Marti D. Ribeiro 76th Maintenance Wing Transformation TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Center conducted a value stream analysis on the B-52 Stratofortress periodic depot maintenance line last week in an effort to continually improve their processes. This bomber aircraft has been in the Air Force inventory for 56 years, and for the majority of that time, the OC-ALC has provided periodic depot maintenance for this warfighter workhorse. The depot is facing unique challenges with this aging aircraft and senior leaders from the ALC want to ensure that speed and quality are a high priority when working on this airframe. "The B-52 fleet has some significant challenges. Not only are we experiencing increased structural repairs, but we currently have a backlog of aircraft requiring Programmed Depot Maintenance. The challenge is to eliminate the backlog. We won't be able to do that by working harder," said Maj. Gen. David Gillett, OC-ALC commander. "We are focused on improving our processes, increasing velocity and improving quality. This is a huge effort but the payoff to the warfighter is significant. I am proud of the team effort displayed by this cross-functional team and I have confidence we will meet our goals." According to Connie Davis, 565th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and team lead, the goal of the VSA was to decrease the number of flow days for the B-52 while still producing a high-quality product. Personnel from across the 76th Maintenance Wing, 72nd Air Base Wing, Global Logistics Supply Center, B-52 System Program Office and the Defense Logistics Agency joined together to discuss the various opportunities for improvement in this production line. Fleet size changes from Air Force Headquarters, significant structural repair and unique challenges when trying to track down parts for a 50-year old aircraft have hindered the efficiency of this particular production line at Tinker. This VSA mapped the maintenance process and identified opportunities to conduct process improvement events to streamline activities and reduce waste. "Our goal was to identify process problems that will enable us to meet our Air Force requirements," Ms. Davis said. "Our plan is to streamline the maintenance processes so the aircraft is only in the 'In Dock' phase for 74 days. This would make it possible for the ALC to meet and possibly exceed the Air Force requirements." The VSA ended with several improvement projects identified and personnel assigned to ensure those projects are accomplished. "I think we've made great progress," General Gillett said. "Now we just need to keep the momentum going."