End of an era: C-5 Avionics section closes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The men and women of the 60th Component Maintenance Squadron witnessed the end of an era Oct. 1 when its C-5 Avionics section officially shut down operations.

As part of a Repair Enterprise for the 21st Century initiative, it was decided in October 2006 that C-5 Avionics repairs shops, including Travis', will now be part of a regionalized Direct-to-Depot network.

Air Logistics Centers located at Warner-Robins, Oklahoma City and Ogden will serve as a "one-stop, go-to shops," the goal of which is to establish an enterprise-wide repair network for avionics managed by a single supply chain, instead of individual bases.

"Throughout the years, C-5 Avionics has integrated from as many as five separate shops, to two shops," said Stephen Francis, C-5 Avionics section supervisor. "Now, with the DTD, it will be a one-stop shop."

According to Tech. Sgt. Richard Holbert, C-5 Avionics shift supervisor, with the new and advanced C-5 avionics technology and the modernization of the aircraft, it made sense to have centralized locations to perform repairs.

"In the bigger picture, with all the modernization and advance technology such as the 'glass cockpit,' it is a smart thing to do. It saves the Air Force money and manning hours while still being able to support aircraft maintenance," he said.

Lt. Col. Jerry Helms, 60th CMS commander added that the closure and transition of the C-5 Avionics is a sign of the ever-evolving and changing Air Force.

"While we hate to see workloads going away, I understand the needs," he said. "With the on-going Avionics Modernization Program updates to the C-5, our systems will be much more reliable. And the centralization of the repair process at our depots will ultimately save much needed funds."

Colonel Helms also said that all of the affected personnel either elected retirement or received an equivalent or better position.

"The section has been very busy making the necessary preparations for their transition. I am very proud of every member of the team. They have approached the task like every other one ... with 'Pride and Precision."