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Maintenance Merger Increases Warfighters' Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090812-02
Release Date: 8/12/2009 5:31:00 AM

By Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class(AW/SW) Reche’ D. Johnson, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) continues on the cutting edge of improvements in aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul with the recent merging of six work centers.

In December 2006, aircraft intermediate maintenance departments (AIMD) and naval aviation depots were combined into one organization, known as FRCSE, merging depot-level artisans and intermediate level Sailors into one all-star force for aviation maintenance.

In the past, AIMDs or Level II repairs were handled predominantly by Sailors because it mainly involved making relatively minor repairs on components, and the depot level, which is essentially the deepest and most attentively detailed level of maintenance, was handled by civil service and civilian contractors, many of whom are former service members. As a result of the integration, Sailors and civilians are now working side-by-side to provide comprehensive aviation maintenance for warfighter readiness.

FRCSE continues to improve as a result of the integration and leads the way in organizing the methods repairs are performed and increasing maintenance capacity and capabilities.

The most recent merger involved avionics, hydraulics, production control and supply.

"Combining these shops couldn't happen overnight," said Sara Branch, an electronic mechanic work leader. "As you can imagine, we've faced a few obstacles. There were several factors to consider before implementation, including policy changes, cultural and organizational differences and budgets," she continued.

Many of the successes at FRCSE can be attributed to using the continuous process improvement methodology known as AIRSpeed.

The process was used for this current project to minimize and eliminate difficulties and improve turn around time and repair efficiencies among the shops. By restructuring under this program and merging the work centers, it allowed FRCSE to combine assets that perform the same functions into one area, making way for more effective use of time and manpower. The overall objective is to provide a sharp reduction in maintenance time and cut excessive costs. This has proven very beneficial for the command as it allows an accurate deadline for finishing scheduled work based on customer demand.

"We are half way moved in and ready at the depot," said Lt. Cmdr. Win Peregrino, Hangar 1000 AIRSpeed division officer. "The hydraulics shop has moved into its new space and, with the exception of a few electrical issues, has gotten situated rather quickly," he continued.

According to Peregrino, the avionics shops are relocating between Hangar 1000 and Building 101U.

"Our charter mandates that we complete all moves by October, and I am pleased that we are ahead of schedule," says Peregrino.

The merger provides a better balance, not only in manpower, but customer satisfaction. Thanks to the dedicated workforce at FRCSE, they continue to deliver combat-ready assets that reduce costs.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/local/airlant.