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Bataan Begins Implementing AIRSpeed

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101112-05
11/12/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin Boyce, USS Bataan Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Supply and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Departments (AIMD) aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) began implementing AIRSpeed Nov. 8, an initiative designed to help reduce the cost of shipboard maintenance while lessening the time it takes to carry out processes.

The AIRSpeed initiative, administered by Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE), effectively integrates three of the world's most innovative business and industry continuous process improvement practices (CPI)—Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean and Six-Sigma.

TOC is the philosophy that there are limitations with any process. Lean focuses on the removal of anything that doesn't add value to a process. Six Sigma is a strategy that improves the quality of the products by increasing the focus on customer needs.

"AIRSpeed helps limit the steps in a process to only what is required or that which adds value," said Aviation Electronics Technician (AW) Michael Hughes, USS Bataan AirSpeed chief. "This provides an easier process for the maintenance person and allows us to best utilize our manning."

AIRSpeed instructors from Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) boarded Bataan in October to provide initial training, and 14 Bataan Sailors attended follow-on training where they earned their AIRSpeed green belt certification, which will allow them to lead events, manage team dynamics and input and record event data in their work centers.

Bataan's green belts will operate under the purview of a Six Sigma black belt from CNAF, who will assist with quality improvement and problem solving.

Bataan expects AIRSpeed to increase efficiency and save both time and money.

"AIRSpeed gives different angles to reduce the amount of work you have to perform," said Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Korn, CNAF AIRSpeed black belt. "Sailors would have time to get other things done like schools, and it would improve work hours."

Bataan has fully embraced AIRSpeed and is already looking for ways to grow the program.

"Bataan has a good composition core team," said Korn. "They were excited about continuous process improvement and [made suggestions] and also asked for additional training."

Hughes said AIRSpeed aboard ships has improved everything from paperwork process flow, to mess deck waiting times, to efficient and effective flow in calibration labs.

AirSpeed has recently been implemented aboard other large-deck amphibious ships, including USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Peleliu (LHA 5).

Bataan will begin making process improvements using AIRSpeed in January 2011.

"Bataan will do well and they should be successful, with good direction, a good site team officer, and leadership committed to CPI," said Korn.