YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan: Twenty-one Airmen held a weeklong training scenario focusing on improving the C-130 Hercules isochronal inspection process in mid-March here.
The inspection is a requirement that has recently changed from a 365-day requirement to a to a 450-day interval and one that requires cooperation from numerous shops and specialties.
Airmen from the 374th Maintenance Group’s Maintenance Squadron, Maintenance Operations Squadron, and Aircraft Maintenance Squadron teamed up with the Logistics Readiness Squadron to accomplish the inspection.
“This event allows us to evaluate and improve the inspection flow,” said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Smith, the 374th Maintenance Group superintendent.
The inspection is designed to meet the goals of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century program. AFSO21 centers on groups of tasks instead of a single task, allowing the Air Force to maximize available manpower.
“Our focus is on improving the entire ‘Iso’ process to optimize efficiency, increase our maintenance capabilities and ensure reliable, safe aircraft,” Sergeant Smith added.
During this weeklong event, Airmen discussed their roles in inspection processes with Master Sgt. Mel Stewart, the 8th Fighter Wing chief of AFSO21 from Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.
Sergeant Stewart said his job was to help show Airmen here how they play an important part in the overall mission.
“This allows us to analyze the data and map all the value streams that take place in the current Iso inspection process,” Sergeant Stewart said.
After analyzing the data, the team identified metrics that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely, or “SMART.”
“As we take an in-depth look at the process, we hope to improve productivity of our airmen and increase critical equipment availability,” said Tech. Sgt. Fred Carter, the 374 Maintenance Squadron Iso dock coordinator.
“We want to improve agility and response while sustaining safe and reliable operations,” Sergeant Carter said.
With each new find, the information is passed to the work centers where Airmen can use the information to increase efficiency.
Speaking of the AFSO21 process, Sergeant Stewart said, “We are able to visualize where we can take steps to produce effectiveness, save the Air Force time and money, and have more capable C-130s in the air.”
