Aircraft Parts processes for C-17 arrival

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Aircraft Parts Store has seen their workload double in the past month due to the up-coming C-17 bed down. 

They have received and logged more than 11,800 C-17 parts from the Defense Logistics Agency alone. They have also received 15,976 parts from Boeing. More incredibly, they have achieved 100 percent accountability on these parts. 

“That’s really impressive,” said 1st Lt. Derck Kasel, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron materiel management flight commander. 

They began receiving parts April 24 and had to move C-5 parts in two warehouses around to accommodate the influx of shipments. 

When parts arrive, they are cataloged and inventoried to ensure Travis has received the right parts in the right quantities. For the parts already stored, they are logged in the computer system and put in an established place. With new parts, new labels, new logs and new spots must first be established. 

There are approximately 1,100 more parts in-coming from Boeing before the bed down July 28. 

The parts store is in charge of storing and keeping track of everything needed to keep C-5s and C-17s flying, from the largest rotator to the tiniest nuts and bolts. 

“The biggest challenge is making sure all the assets are 100 percent accounted for,” Lieutenant Kasel said. “It comes down to paying attention to detail — that’s what we strive for everyday.” 

The processing of C-17 parts has taken 30 people more than 6,000 man-hours, according to Lieutenant Kasel. This is in addition to their normal duties. The 6 additional troops from 349th LRS were instrumental in filling the gap for manning shortages. 

“I don’t take any credit – [the line supervisors] are out there busting their tails,” said Chief Master Sergeant Craig Wills, 60th LRS materiel management flight chief. “No other base has [processed these parts] so accurately. It speaks volumes about the troops.” 

The eight people in receiving and 22 in the parts store were also an integral part in the 60th LRS earning an outstanding on the Air Mobility Command Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Program in May. 

“I’m incredibly impressed with the accomplishment considering everything we’ve put on their plate,” said Chief Wills.