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Airspeed Aims to Reduce Turnaround Time

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030714-15

Release Date: 7/14/2003 9:25:00 PM

By Bill Bartkus, Naval Air Systems Command Depot North Island Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has embarked on a new initiative to bring proven cycle-time reduction tools and methodologies to the NAVAIR depots.

This effort, "Airspeed," was chartered in April by Rear Adm. Wally Massenburg, assistant commander for NAVAIR depots. Airspeed will deploy a standardized "tool box" of cycle-time reduction methodologies across the three NAVAIR depots.

The overall goal for Airspeed: decrease production turnaround time.

"In an environment of limited funding, the Navy has employed several initiatives to lower operational costs, in an attempt to free up dollars for the recapitalization of our fleet," said Frank Widick, NAVAIR Depot North Island executive director of program management. "Airspeed is intended to reduce turnaround times and costs by employing a set of modern business techniques."

According to Widick, Airspeed will use proven cycle-time reduction techniques to improve depot productivity and efficiency, "thereby reducing the number of required depot pipeline assets, resulting in a cost avoidance to the Navy."

Airspeed kicked off at North Island with the landing gear components shop. Depot personnel were trained on techniques that will be used to redesign the shop for greater efficiency. Widick said the F/A-18 integrated maintenance concept (IMC) line will be next in line for training and conversion.

"Over the next 30 months, Airspeed will be deployed throughout the depot corporation. During this time, it will be integrated with ongoing Naval Aviation Readiness Integrated Improvement Program (NAVRIIP) efforts at organizational and intermediate-level fleet activities to create a totally integrated naval aviation maintenance enterprise," said Widick.

Massenburg's vision for Airspeed is to incorporate the most current business and cycle-time reduction processes across the naval aviation enterprise to enable reduced cycle times. That will ensure required aircraft are available to meet the fleet's current and future training and warfighting needs, according to NAVAIR Depot North Island Executive Officer Capt. Tim Trainer.

"Airspeed will enhance depot responsiveness and flexibility; increase the velocity of our maintenance, repair and overhaul processes; eliminate waste and inefficiencies; and identify constraints and barriers for focused management attention," Trainer said.

He said Airspeed would also share, export and integrate Airspeed cycle time reduction processes across the naval aviation enterprise through NAVRIIP.

"Airspeed will leverage theory of constraints, lean, six sigma and internally developed management philosophies to dramatically improve depot maintenance cycle time, reduce depot pipeline, reduce waste and increase enterprise wide supply chain velocity," said Trainer. Other goals include improved component reliability/time on wing, reduced cost of operation and improved on time deliveries.

Trainer noted Airspeed would produce faster, more efficient, high quality products for the fleet.

"Velocity and quality are the goal. Less material in work means more items on the flight line. More importantly, it provides an opportunity for reducing future aircraft, engine and component procurements as equipment spends less time in the "system" and more time on the flight line."

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technologies through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts.