May 29, 2009 402nd MXW Gets New Leadership

2A The Robins Rev-Up May 29, 2009WR-ALCContinued from 1Arow’s challenges. We capitalize upon thestrengths of our diverse workforce.Initiatives:1. Improve Labor/ ManagementRelations to foster mutual trust, confidence, and respect.2. Cultivate First-Class Leadership bydeveloping better leadership training,resulting in a 3% increase in positiveresponses in each of the following CSAFClimate Assessment Survey categories:recognition, trust in immediate supervisors, satisfaction, trust in senior leadership.PROCESSWe have an environment of complianceand mutual respect where people of character boldly seek innovation and valuetheir reputation for delivering as promised.What it means: We do the right things,and we’re continually looking for ways todo them even better. We’re also proud ofwhat we do, because it matters to thejoint team and to our nation.Initiative:3. Build on our foundation of innovation by redeploying Lean ALC-wide by 30Aug. 09 and redeploying ContinuousProcess Improvement across the ALC toaffect 5 major processes (to be determined)within 18 months, using the High VelocityMaintenance enterprise innovation model.PERFORMANCEWe are a results driven, preferredprovider committed to customer support.What it means: Our customers look tous for current and future support becausewe provide high-quality services that areon cost and on schedule. IN BRIEFROAD CLOSURENinth Street fromRobins Parkway to theBldg. 640 gate will beclosed from June 8 to June13 so a contractor canrepave a section of the roadand repair degraded sidewalks and ditches.Initiative:4. Enhance performance, reputation ofthe ALC by using an integrated ALC-teamapproach to achieve 95% aircraft due datedelivery performance on four aircraft production lines during a 36-month period(with less than 10% AMREP extensions tooriginal due dates) while maintaining quality standards.INFASTRUCTUREWe’re accountable to the Americanpublic for responsible use of all resources.What it means: We put the samethought into decisions to spend tax dollarsas we do about decisions to spend our ownmoney.Initiative:5. Incentivize infrastructure/cost control, using energy consumption as a testbed. Prove out an incentivized operatingmodel that can be applied to other costsusing electrical energy consumptionmetering to achieve a 10% reduction byOct 2010 (fiscal 2011).General Peyer said that while the mission and vision statements, goal, focusareas and initiatives are all relatively new,they should feel very familiar to membersof the WR-ALC team.“They weren’t developed as a newdirection for the Center, but a sharpeningof our focus on what we deliver to ournation for mission success,” she said.She added that the Center’s motto –“People First, Mission Always” – remainsunchanged.“We need a determined effort to meetthe challenges of our current environment,deliver on our promises to the warfighter,and secure a viable future for the Center,”the general said. “Every member of ourteam is important.”During the construction,there will not be any accessto Ninth Street to the eastgate of Bldg. 640 or theRobins Federal CreditUnion drive through window. Vehicles may gainaccess to the rear of theavionics compound byturning off Page Road on toOak Street. Follow OakStreet to the west of Bldg.640 to Ninth Street and turnleft on Ninth Street to thewest gate of the facility.The parking lot on NinthStreet across from KinsleyWay will also be closed tovehicles.Fore more information,contact Russell Thornburyat 327-8937.Museum garners major awardTheMuseumofAviation has received the2009 U.S. Air ForceHistory and MuseumsProgram’s Air ForceHeritage Award for itsexhibit on the 507thParachuteInfantryRegiment and the AirInvasion of Normandy during World War II.Museum Director KenEmery accepted the recognition from Air Force Chiefof Staff Norton A.Schwartz during a conference at Wright-PattersonAir Force Base, Ohio.According to a museumnews release, the localexhibit was cited for “fostering a better understanding and appreciation of theAir Force, its history andaccomplishments.”“This award is a greathonor for the Museum ofAviation and our staff thatworked so hard to designand build it,” Mr. Emerysaid.The 60,000-square-footdisplay is free and open tothe public every dayincluding weekends, from9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museumisclosedonThanksgiving, Christmasand New Year’s Day.— from staff reportsLEVYContinued from 1Agathered for the event.“Today is not about thepeople going out the door, itis about the people that arecoming through the door,”he said in explaining why hewas keeping his commentsbrief. “Thank you for allowing me the privilege of leading the 402nd MaintenanceWing. We consider the people of that wing to beAmerican patriots, whohave a heart for the ALC, theAir Force and our country.We will forever be gratefulfor your service.”Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer,commander of the WarnerRobins Air Logistics Center,praised General Atkinsonfor his work here, and particularly highlighted threerecent accomplishments.She noted that the wing hasachieved 14 gold sites in theCommander’s Safe SiteChallenge, won a silverU.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPCol. Lee Levy speaks at apress conference prior totaking command of the402nd Maintenance Wing.Shingo Prize, and won theMaintenance EffectivenessAward.“In his tenure here atWarner Robins there havebeen some absolutely spectacular events that have happened, and most of you havebeen part of those events thatmade that happen,” GeneralPeyer told the audience.She also praised ColonelCourtesy photoU.S. Air Force Chief of Staff,Gen. Norton A. Schwartz,left, presents the 2009 U.S.Air Force History andMuseums Program’s AirForce Heritage Award toKen Emery, Museum ofAviation director.Levy as someone whobrings a wide range of experience to Robins.“He knows the ALCbusiness and he knows howwe are organized and howthe processes run, so we arevery glad to have the Levyshere with that knowledgeand to take up where Gen.Atkinson left off,” she said.After taking the guidonfrom General Atkinson,Colonel Levy took the podium and stated that he firstwanted to directly addressmembers of the 402nd. Henoted that during World WarII, President Franklin D.Roosevelt called the U.S. theworld’s “arsenal of democracy.”“You are the modern dayequivalent of the arsenal ofdemocracy, supporting thefight with world-class software, commodities, electronics and aircraft maintenance that supports thewarfighter every day in thisera of modern conflict,” hesaid.567th EMXS, 78th MDG earn Pinnacle Award for improvements impacting missionTwo Robins units thatembraced both Air ForceSmart Operations for the21st Century and theVoluntaryProtectionProgram were recognizedfor improvement innovations that will improvewarfighter and mission support.The 567th ElectronicsMaintenance Squadron’sSupport Equipment Flightand the 78th MedicalGroup’s in-processing teamreceived the PinnacleAward, which is now givenin two separate categories(see sidebar).The567thEMXSslashed flow days by 48 percent and overtime by 54 percent. By applying 6S principles, the squadron was ableto convert more than 100individual tool kits to consolidated tool kits, savingmore than 100 square feet ofworkspace.Additionalefforts freed more than3,400 square feet of floorWHAT TO KNOWThe Pinnacle Awardwas created in January2008 as an Air LogisticsCenter-level award torecognize exceptionalcontributions by individuals or groups that promote the basic tenets ofwaste elimination, continuous improvement,performance-basedsafety and health management.space for new workload.The team fully committed to VPP with 100 percentparticipation and has gonemore than a year with no lostworkdays due to an industrial injury.The crux of their accomplishments led to VPP SafeSite gold level recognitionby Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer,WR-ALC commander, andTom Scott, AFGE president.“You are on a journeyand sometimes what youthink is your destination isnot always where you endup,” General Peyer toldmembers of the flight.“Congratulations on a jobwell done, but don’t let yourdestination today be the endof your journey. Even withall you have accomplished,you need to keep reachingfor the next level.”The general also told thegroup how important it wasto recognize and rewardpeople.“Rewards are not alwaysperceived the same way forevery person or circumstance and we are workingas part of a major initiativeto improve rewards andrecognitions across theCenter. This award is a wayfor me to say thank you forall you have done,” shesaid.General Peyer also honored the 78th MDG’s inprocessing team as the firstwinner of the non-maintenance award for 2009. Theteam worked diligently toRECYCLE THIS PAPERincrease medical readinessfor active-duty members.The original process tookmore than 3.5 hours, takingAirmen away from the dutystation for nearly half of aduty day. Medical in-processing now averages 50minutes, a 76 percent reduction, giving valuable timeback to the customers.“In-processing can besuch a difficult time whereyou are going through a lotof stressful changes. Iapplaud this team for takingtime to look at the processand being willing to makechanges,” General Peyersaid. “Giving time back toAirmen is crucial to the mission; what this team hasdone is greatly appreciated.”The improved processalso freed time for theAirmen providing medicalservices, slashing man hoursexpended by 24 percent.Through AFSO21 innovations, the 78th MDG continues to be one of the leadersRecognition now in two categoriesIn the spirit of continuous process improvement,the Warner Robins AirLogisticsCenter’sAFSO21/VPP quarterlyawardwasrecentlyenhanced to include maintenance and non-maintenance categories, doublingthe chance for organizations to be recognized forinnovations.Pinnacle Award winnersreceive either monetary ortime-off awards, as well asa personal visit from thecommander to the worksiteto see the improved areasor processes.In addition to streamlining the nomination criteria,WR-ALC Commanderin innovation across the AirForce medical service.“The Pinnacle awards arenot the real prize. The realprize is the camaraderie andteamwork these groups haveMaj. Gen. Polly Peyer, andBrenda Romine, WR-ALCexecutive director, recognized the need to split thecategories into maintenance and non-maintenance competitions to alsohighlight the Center’s success in the administrativeenvironment.“Now, twice the numberof teams will be recognized,” said Sherri Luck,the Center’s AFSO21 lead.“The split between maintenance and non-maintenance areas opens up thefield of competition toareas that may have felttheir innovations were notas significant if they did notoccur on the flightline.”exemplified to garnerimpressive results for mission success,” said KellyWilliams, TransformationDivision chief — By SherriLuck, AFSO21 lead

May 29, 2009 The Robins Rev-Up 3A402nd EMXG engineers keep avionics flowingBY LISA MATHEWSlisa.mathews@robins.af.milEngineers in the SupportSquadron of the 402ndElectronics MaintenanceGroup know the work theydo is critical in the supportof the warfighter. In aneffort to improve theirprocesses, the squadron hasconducted Lean events tobetter use visual management in their area. Theyhave embraced Air ForceSmart Operations for the21st Century, or AFSO21.The Avionics Sustainment Engineering Officehas become a model cellfor Robins, an organizationthat has used AFSO21 principles successfully to helpwith continuous processflow.Jennifer Spano, an electronics engineer, describedhow the visual management tools they use notonly help them track projects in progress but alsohelp identify problem areasthat need to be addressed.The squadron works onhybrid microcircuit, technology insertion and reengineering projects. Shesaid continuous processimprovement is essential tothe organization’s effort inenhancing the 402ndEMXGproductionprocesses.The tools and techniques such as visual management, standard workand 6S, are used to strategically align the team’s priorities and objectives to thegroup and wing’s StrategicAlignmentandDeployment plans.A year ago, the squadronused a standard lean eventto help map out theirprocesses. They listed individual tasks and identifiedthe frequency of each task.They also determined thetiming each task wouldrequire.This event led to theorganization developing aproduction control boardwhich tracks all projectsthe engineers are working.At any time, the engineersor supervisors can look atthe board and see the statusof any of the projects inwork. The color-codedboard identifies any delaysor problems that occur during the project.This in turn has helpedin eliminating problemsthat are recurring. Such redflags help the squadronidentify problem areas sothat they can address theseissues.Ms. Spano said whenthe standard work eventtook place, it was suggested that every 15 minuteseach person take time torecord on a spreadsheet allthe tasks they worked on inthat timeframe. She saidshe did not see that as abeneficial process, so theteam developed a customized production controlboard with movable magnets that would give aquick visual update foranyone needing the information.“The production controlboard paints a real-timepicture of our ongoingprojects; it tells our story.With it in place, management can follow ourprogress and response toconstraints,” said Ms.Spano. “Even more, theboard shows just how busyand involved we are.Painting the picture hashelped to justify our needfor additional resources –personnel and equipment.”They are also developing continuity books andare working to flow theirprocesses. Ms. Spano saidthe continuity books arepart of their model cell concept, but are also beingdeveloped as they worktowards AS9100, a widelyadopted and standardizedquality management system for the aerospaceindustry.Rick Weeks, AvionicsSustainment EngineeringOffice director, said hisarea first started using Leanin the hybrid area approximately seven years ago.That event focused on apartnership workload andboth the customer and partner were included in theevent.While Mr. Weeks saidhe was a supporter of Leaninitiatives from the beginning, he initially thought itwas a Total QualityManagement program.“I was on board with theconcept, but I thought itwas TQM with a differentname,” he said. “Afterward, I saw the difference.I saw an expanded process.We had specific tools thatworked better for groupparticipation.”Events in the squadrongenerally include five toseven individuals from theorganization with a fewothers from other organizations. During the course ofthe event management issupportive of allowing subject matter experts to taketime from their normalduties to meet with the leanteams during the event.While the SMEs are not onthe team the entire lengthof the event, they do havethe opportunity to sharetheir knowledge with thegroup.Mr. Weeks said he triesto ensure all of his engineers have the opportunityto chair a lean eventbecause it gives them theopportunity to gain leadership experience.The squadron also has avibrant 6S program. Ms.Spano explained they have“Tidy Friday,” which istime each Friday tostraighten their work area.Members of the squadronrotate the duty of inspecting the work area andupdating the board to showany areas which need work.She said no one likes tohave a write up on theboard and they have afriendly competitive relationship in seeing who hasthe neatest work area.The 402nd EMXGrecently received a silvermedallion in the ShingoPrize competition. A largepart of receiving the prestigious award was due tohard work and dedicationto continuing processessuch as those in thesquadron’s model cell.High Velocity MaintenanceEditor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of briefarticles on High Velocity Maintenance. The series willdiscuss what HVM is, when it will be implemented, howit will be deployed and why it is right for Robins.HVM Standard Visual Work Cards — Standardvisual work cards will help make aircraft maintenancemore science than art. Under HVM, the tasks to beaccomplished during an HVM cycle will be predefined through isochronal inspections and pre-induction inspections. The tasks will be clearly defined, andeach task will have an associated standard visual workcard that will define the work in a step by step fashionwith visual aids to clarify the language. The standardvisual work cards will help the mechanic to functionmore like a surgeon. — Courtesy HVM communications team

4A The Robins Rev-Up May 29, 2009Robins Airman of the Year wears many hatsEditor’s note: This is thefirst in a series of profiles onthe winners of the RobinsAnnual Awards.BY WAYNE CRENSHAWwayne.crenshaw.ctr@robins.af.milThe 78th Communications Group seems to havea knack for attracting themulti-talented.In the past two years ithas provided two technicians and a performer to theAir Force’s traveling entertainment group Tops inBlue.Then there is SeniorAirman Jarhid Brown, the2008 Airman of the Year atRobins.He is a former emergency medical technician, arecording artist, an expertwhitewater rafter, a historybuff, and author of a veryunique book.His job in the 78th CS isto work on information technology systems, but he hasbranched out into other specializedassignments,including developing theDARCON splash page thatappears on computer monitors on base. He has alsodone work in relation to thebase’s energy-saving initiatives.“In the IT world, it is sortof a unique situationbecause you are able to get alot of access and implementideas,” he said. “I’ve done alot of different projects.”A native of Alaska, hejoined the Air Force at theage of 27 after working as anEMT and touring the country as a member of the musi-U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPSenior Airman Jarhid Brown, 78th Communications Group,was named the 2008 Airman of the Year at Robins.cal duo Gravity & Henry.He played drums while hispartner played guitar andsang.They had some modestsuccess, performing what hecalled a form of jazz musicaugmented by computers.They released two albums,but in the end, he decided itwas time to move on.“I gave myself a deadlinethat if we weren’t able tocompletely live off it by theage of 25, I was going towalk away from it,” he said.Now 30, he is in his thirdyear in the Air Force. Hewon Airman of the Quartertwice before taking theAirman of the Year honor.He was nominated for it byStaffSergeantCraigHindley.“He goes above andbeyond, working way outside of his realm,” SergeantHindley said.On a shelf in his cubicleis the award, and near it is abook that he recently completed.The book is Pi calculatedto the billionth digit. Theentire book, aside from afew pages about the historyof Pi, is one long number onpage after page. The title is“Pi, A Languid Epic ofDominant Irrational.”It’s not a gag book; heactually hopes to sell somecopies, although he seeswhy it would be pretty hardfor non-math geeks tounderstand why anyonewould want such a book.“I figure some mathmajor might get it as a graduation present or something,” he said. “I fully realize how ridiculous it is. Idon’t think there is going tobe a book tour.”He has submitted it to theGuinness Book of WorldRecords as the record forthe longest published calculation of Pi. Although finalapproval is still pending, hesaid early indications arethat it will be recognized asa world record.The book is scheduled tobecome available for purchase online at Amazon andBarnes & Noble on June 15.He plans to give anyprofits from the book to aneducation charity.He holds a bachelor’sdegree in information technology from Touro Collegein Cypress, Calif., via distance learning, he is working on a master’s in computer information systems atBoston University.He is married and hasonechild.AlthoughGeorgia is a big culturechange from Alaska, he saidhe has enjoyed his stint atRobins.“It’s really a nice place toraise a family,” he said.“Everyone is super sweetand supportive of our mission.”AF, Lockheed collaboratein effort to reduce test costs,improve mission capabilitiesThe Air Force andLockheedMartinSimulations, Training andSupport recently joinedforces to reduce test costsand improve mission capability.The 742nd CombatSustainment Group andLockheed Martin STShave formed an IntegratedProcess Team to collaborate on finding innovativeand cost-effective ways tomergeinstrumentationchanges in automated testequipment.The IPT charter, signedby Col. Dave French,742nd CBSG commander,and Randy Core, LMSTSdirector, on May 14 at theWarnerRobinsAirLogistics Center, was theresult of a Lean event heldin September 2008 to identifycommonalitiesbetween the USAF’sVersatile Depot AutomaticTestStationandLockheed’s LM-STAR.After that event, Lockheedand the Air Force agreed towork closely to map outways to bring the hardwarearchitecture of the two systems closer together.According to ColFrench,“collaborationthrough the IPT allows theAir Force and Lockheed totake a strategic view atsupporting new weaponsystems coming on linesuch as the F-22 and F-35,allowing us to developflexible support options forthe future.”“By working together,we can achieve our goalsof reducing the total number of test stationsrequired, reducing the sustainment cost of test equipment and establishing anagile test infrastructure thatenables rapid change,” Mr.Core said.HOUSINGdetermining ways tomaximize the funds.The Army Corps ofEngineers will beginworking applicationsonce they have receivedofficial guidance andfunding. Benefit payments normally takebetween 90 and 120 daysto complete, dependingon the number of applicants and staffing.For more informationregarding the HAP program or applicationprocess, visit their Website.Continued from 1Acial loss for the member,could potentially damageindividual credit scores,and could result in family separations when service members are forcedto leave their familiesbehind to avoid incurringdebt beyond what theirhouses are worth.The Congress budgeted 555 million for theexpanded program anddefense officials are

6A The Robins Rev-Up May 29, 2009CommentaryWR-ALCVISIONSTATEMENTDeliver and sustaincombat-ready air power anytime, anywhere.HOW TO CONTACT USRobins Office of Public Affairs620 Ninth Street., Bldg. 905Robins AFB, GA 31098(478) 926-2137 DSN 468-2137Fax (478) 926-9597EDITORIAL STAFFCOMMANDERCol. Warren BerryPUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORRick BrewerEDITORKendahl Johnsonkendahl.johnson@robins.af.mil(478) 222-0804ASSOCIATE EDITORLanorris Askewlanorris.askew@robins.af.mil(478) 222-0806STAFF WRITERWayne Crenshawwayne.crenshaw.ctr@robins.af.mil(478) 222-0807PHOTOGRAPHERSue Sappsue.sapp@robins.af.mil(478) 222-0805SUBMISSIONGUIDELINESStories and briefs must be submittedas a Word document. They may notexceed two pages, double spaced. Theymust be typed using the Times NewRoman font, 12-point type, with 1-inchmargins. All submissions will be edited toconform to Associated Press style.Submission does not guarantee publication.Submissions must be received by 4p.m. the Monday prior to the requestedFriday publication. They should be emailed to78ABW.PARevUp@robins.af.mil.Submissions should be of broad interestto the base populace. If there are furtherque

Robins Federal Credit Union drive through win-dow. Vehicles may gain access to the rear of the avionics compound by turning off Page Road on to Oak Street. Follow Oak Street to the west of Bldg. 640 to Ninth Street and turn left on Ninth Street to the west gate of the facility. The parking lot on Ninth Street across from Kinsley Way will also .