Process improvement at the Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

Abstract

This project focuses on the J52-P408 engine repair process and the implementation of the "AIRSpeed" program at the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), WA. The project was conducted with the sponsorship and assistance of Program Executive Office Ships (PEO SHIPS) and Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). The goal of this project is to analyze how the leadership of AIMD incorporated Theory of Constraints (TOC), Just in Time (JIT), Lean, Six-Sigma, and Lean Six-Sigma methodologies in the engine repair process, and examine the effects of its application in relation to repair cycle time and overall readiness level. This report will describe and compare the earlier and the current AIRSpeed engine removal and repair processes, starting from the flight line to the ready for issue (RFI) pool at AIMD. Using simulation modeling tools and private industry production and inventory management philosophies, we will make recommendations for further improvement in the repair process. We will examine how the application of AIRSpeed processes contributes to the mission readiness of the United States Navy and Marine Corps' fleet of EA-6B Prowler aircraft, while reducing operation and maintenance cost.