Strategic goal 3

A few members of one of the newly formed Propulsion Engine Core Teams discuss and parts availability for engines. Professionals from various Tinker organizations comprise these teams for General Electric and Pratt & Whitney engines with a common goal to find and solve problems before they become work stoppages, a mission that fits leadership’s third strategic goal of improving maintenance quality and productivity. Clockwise from left are; Louis LeMay, Aerospace Sustainment Directorate equipment specialist; David Lamoureux, Northrup Grumman data analyst; Tim Terhune, 448th Supply Chain Management Squadron logistics program manager and Carol Owen, 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group lead planner. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

76th MXW has handle on third strategic goal

Published Dec. 17, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 76th Maintenance Wing is on it.

Spearheaded by Maj. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, 76th MXW commander, the wing is dominating the third strategic goal: "Improve Depot Maintenance Quality and Productivity to Maximize Opportunities."

To effectively execute the goal, the general said his organization focuses on three elements -- work force safety, quality of the product produced and speed in which products are manufactured.

"Our work force deserves to know the plan, our priorities and how we are going to work to eliminate the constraints that are keeping them from doing the very best that we possibly can," General Litchfield said. "As we went through fiscal 2010, folks really stepped up and are working the problems hard."

In late October, Maj. Gen. David Gillett, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, introduced the strategic plan along with breakthrough performance areas, or focus areas. Yet, the maintenance wing was already on top of their game, showing what General Litchfield called "pockets of excellence."

In fiscal 2010, the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group exceeded its KC-135 Stratotanker production goal by producing 55 aircraft, the highest number in 18 years. In fiscal 2011, the aircraft maintenance group is scheduled to do 58 aircraft; and, in fiscal 2012, 64 aircraft.

As the wing embarks on fiscal 2011, the general said the wing has to face previous challenges such as getting 76th MXW personnel to understand their contributions to the center.

But, that's not all. Safety must also remain a top priority.

Within the maintenance wing, there are several Voluntary Protection Program teams that strive to prevent work-related accidents and injuries. Additionally, safety is a breakthrough performance area, or BPA, managed by the 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office.

"We cannot be so focused on production that we allow safety to slip. It is easy to make the case if you're worried about speed, then maybe you're not as worried about safety," said Lt. Col. Aaron Troxell, 72nd ABW/SE chief.

As production and workloads increase at the ALC, Colonel Troxell said safe practices not only help production rates when the maintenance wing is at strength, but allows personnel to go home after work and lead fruitful lives free of work related injuries.

"Focusing on the work force helps us improve how we do business," General Litchfield said. "I'm excited about the future of what's happening across the center. In fiscal 2011, we expect to see all areas achieve success."