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Robins commits to implementing MRSP for four weapons systems

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  High velocity maintenance at Robins experienced a significant development during a one-week Maintenance Requirements Supportability Value Stream Analysis event March 5 through 9.

A strategic team which included mission partners from across the base met for its third lean event, which concluded with a signing ceremony, to signify the team's commitment to fully implement a Maintenance Requirements Supportability Process for four weapons systems: C-5, C-130, F-15 and C-17.

"It's about standard work and good processes, as well as up front planning to a level of detail that we never did before," said Marian Fraley, Aerospace Sustainment Directorate deputy director and MRSP event co-leader.

MRSP is a process which achieves horizontal integration across the value stream and is executed by a collaborative, cross-functional team. It was born out of developing the HVM process at Robins two to three years ago. HVM has four tenets: Know the condition of the aircraft, supportability, standard work and man-loading - all to improve productivity and to put more aircraft in the hands of the warfighter.

MRSP was conceived to improve up-front planning by gaining greater knowledge of aircraft condition, defining requirements to a greater level of detail and performing in-depth supportability analysis, all before the aircraft arrives at Robins for depot maintenance. The MRSP team consists of experts from across organizational boundaries, from program office engineers and program managers, to maintenance planners, as well as Global Logistics Support Center and DLA supply chain management resources.

HVM started with the C-130 weapons system as a prototype. The long process of requirements needed for depot maintenance of the aircraft included such things as identifying requirements, skill sets and documenting standard work. The process has since expanded to include C-5s and F-15s. Most recently, C-17s joined the MRSP team, though they are already a benchmark for doing something very similar to MRSP.

"This is all about making sure we have planned up front to get the mechanic what he needs to produce aircraft - to do it better, faster, cheaper than we've ever done it before," added Fraley. "We're already seeing very positive results, but we believe we can get even better. We don't know how far we can go with this because we are still on the journey; however, we believe this MRSP process will make us become world-class."

On implementing requirements, the team has a May 1 deadline that all weapons systems should meet for initial operating capability. The next goal is to achieve full operational capability, with training requirements achieved and processes institutionalized by the end of the calendar year.

"We want to make sure that we have this codified and instituted so that those who come behind us have a clear process to follow," she said. "This can help us achieve greater performance than we've ever seen in aircraft delivery and availability to the warfighter."

Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander, attended Friday's summary briefing.

"There is nothing more important than succeeding in being world-class," said McMahon. "No one else does what you do or can understand this creative integration. And no one can support a weapons system and create the capability and availability of the level of cost that you all can. It is absolutely remarkable."