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Show TIMES November 9, 2006 resolve problems. "Two years of on-time deliveries is significant because it demonstrates to the warfSystems for processing at the Bacchus plant ighter we've overcome some real challenges or the Promontory facility. The contractor on this program," said Col. Robert Shofner, reams out the old propellant from the mo- 526th ICBM Wing commander. "Twentieth tor, and casts new propellant. We transport Air Force's confidence in our team's ability them back to the depot, assemble them into to deliver on-time is a significant advantage functional ICBM boosters and deliver them because it allows them to effectively manage their most limited resource, the people back to the warfighter." With all this movement of boosters and who have to defend and maintain launch individual motor stages between the depot, facilities." the field and contractor facilities, account- Missiles that once spent two weeks in ability to the Strategic Arms Reduction the assembly process are now completed in about six days. The crews produce eight Treaty— START— becomes very complex. The locations of all boosters and first PRP missiles per month and as of Tuesday stage motors whether they are in transit, have completed and delivered 185 missiles. at the contractor, or in storage must be ac- "Depending on the availability of facilities, curately tracked. In addition the locations four to six missiles are in various stages of Maren Dykster, left, and Capt. Ann Montgomery track missile progress In the 309th Missile Mainteof the unique missile handling equipment work at one time," she said. "It is a major un-nance Group's control room. The office directs the movement of missiles, crews and parts, and helps such as the transporter erector and emplac- dertaking that involves approixmatelyl50 prevent production delays. er must be tracked. Complete accountabil- people such as missile truck drivers, disasity is mandatory for treaty compliance and sembly and assembly crews, flight control sembly building such as equipment calibra- restrooms," said Alan Dailey, 309 MMXG any discrepancies could pose international mechanics, and cable and electronics tech- tion, or a facility issue like a leaking roof facility engineering chief: "We also built a consequences. In preparation for PRP pro- nicians all working together to meet each is heavily scrutinized and promptly fixed. Minuteman carriage facility in Bldg. 832 to The control room report also has all facts cut down on transportation time." duction, transportation of individual stages customer due date." from storage to the contractors began in In addition the support functions such as in one concise report allowing managers to The facility proof weight tests carriages forecast possible delays then fix them be- for the boosters to ensure they're suitable January 2000. Since that lime the base has planner, schedulers, Precision Measurefor transport. The tests were formerly conendured 14 START inspections without in- ment Equipment Laboratory, supply techni- fore they happen." cians are crucial to meeting each deadline. To thwart one possible delay, extra parts ducted at the Oasis Site on the Utah Test cident. and subcomponents for each missile were and Training Range, costing about $5,000 "On a big logistics effort like this, you The unit has maintained its completion per year in fuel costs and man hours, along need to have everything in line and ready secured to create assembly kits. This enand delivery record by using Lean principles, which helped organize work areas, to go," Dr. Hamrick said. "One of the big sures there would be no delays in missile with transportation time. "We increased our production gradually, and remove waste from production process- things we did to be more efficient was es- assembly just in case deliveries from the tablish a control room to direct the move- field are delayed by weather or other fac- producing only two missiles per month for es. Daily coordination meetings with the tors. several months, then we increased to four, 526th ICBM Systems Wing, and a Five M ment of missiles, line crews, preposition and six and finally eight," Dr. Hamrick The missile-assembly area where the review (material, manpower, metrics, mea- parts and subcomponents, etc. The status surement and machinery) accomplished of all activities is updated daily. Anything work is performed got an upgrade. "We did said. "We started in May 2004 and missed early in the program helped anticipate and that is preventing the full usability of an as- everything from replace roofs to refurbish a few due dates at first, but were up to full schedule by the fall of 2004 and we've been producing on-time ever since. "We also have a good partnership with Dr. Davy Belk process by which a landing gear compoand it doesn't hurt to have the great the 526th ICBM Systems Wing," she addContinued from 1 natural beauty of the Utah outdoors as nent is reworked can cause the loss of ed. "The senior leadership of our group and a backdrop." an aircraft." their wing meets together every morning play a role in keeping the best Air Force He said his short-term goals include Dr. Belk holds a bachelor of science to coordinate plans and make decisions." in the world flying and fighting. And it's "understanding the career aspirations degree in aerospace engineering from The facts from the control room serves as humbling to work in the midst of the tal- of our engineers and to implement the the University of Texas at Austin; a masthe agenda for these meetings. ent, experience, and dedication that the policies and processes that will enable ter of science degree in aerospace engi"To me, the most important message is Ogden engineering workforce delivers. them to"be fulfilled while strengthening neering from the University of Florida, about what teamwork can accomplish," "Ogden weapon system engineers adour ability to do our mission. and a doctorate from Mississippi State Colonel Shofner said. "PRP is a success dress issues of aging aircraft, re-engi"For example," he offered. "I want to University. He says it's the "geek" in story about communication and partnerneering obsolete parts, and inserting work with universities and the Air Force him that loves the technology and chalship between industry, the systems wing, new technology lo reduce cost and inlenge of applying new technology. to make graduate degrees available and the depot, and the user. If one of those team crease the reliability and availability affordable for those who will put in the "The educator and mentor in me draws members fails, it all comes crashing down for the warfighter," he added. "Our enextra time needed to pursue advanced great satisfaction from helping to launch us." around gineers working in maintenance use degrees. Another goal is to revitalize the next generation of technical leaders Missiles completed are shipped to Minot leading edge technology and lean prothe art of systems engineering, which that will go beyond what I ever dreamed AFB, N.D., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and cesses to enable overhaul and repair is a disciplined approach to dealing of," he said. "The patriot in me is proud F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. At its present proin minimal time and with consistently with the tremendous complexity of the to be a part of an organization that is duction rate, Propulsion Replacement Prohigh quality. There couldn't be a more Air Force's system of systems, where making a difference in the defense of gram work on the missiles is expected to rewarding place to work as an engineer, a minor change to a circuit card, or the our country." continue through June 2009. 309th deliveries Continued from 1 p *- -Jl Your Career - Protecting America s Borders Border Patrol Agent Protecting America from the threat of To qualify, you must be able to successfully global terrorism and illegal immigration complete fitness and drug tests, a thorough requires the right men and women. It's background investigation and medical a demanding job, the type your military examination. You must also possess a valid experience prepared you for. Put that state driver's license. 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