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News | March 4, 2019

DLA Aviation San Diego teaming up to improve warfighter support one kit at a time

By Leon Moore DLA Aviation Public Affairs

With the snip of a large pair of ceremonial scissors, a new era was ushered in on Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, California Feb. 22. The ribbon cutting ceremony officially recognized the opening of the Building 472 Kitting shop. While the ceremony was small, its importance to providing service to the nation’s warfighters is invaluable.

 

The Kitting shop is the result of a strong partnership between Defense Logistics Agency Aviation San Diego, DLA Distribution San Diego and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. Its goal is to increase readiness of Navy and Marine Corps F/A 18 Super Hornet fighter jets by reducing material delays for parts needed to keep them flying.

 

This initiative significantly reduces repair turnaround time by providing piece parts in complete repair kits for in the production line inventory. This effort started with 17 component kits, comprised of about 996 national item identification numbers, with plans to extend to the hydraulic, landing gear and canopy shops. 

 

Navy Capt. Anthony Jaramillo, commanding officer, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, said the Navy’s overall goal is to have 341 mission capable Rhino’s, as F/A 18 Super Hornets are called, by October. He said right now, the Navy is sitting at around 270.

 

“We need to make sure this is enduring and this is the type of work we are going to continue doing each and every day for the rest of our Navy careers and then turn it over to our brothers and sisters to take it over behind us,” Jaramillo said.

 

FRC customers will only be billed for materials used, and all unused materials will be returned to the shop to build new kits while used materials are replenished.   This endeavor not only provides the customer with a more streamlined process to increase the throughput within the FRC, but also gives a more accurate demand signal for material.

 

Navy Capt. Jerome White, commander, DLA Distribution San Diego, was also on hand for the ribbon cutting. He expressed his appreciation for what can be accomplished when supporting a common goal is the top priority.

 

“Thanks to all of you for your ability to put organizational identities aside and work together as one team in support of a critical fleet requirement,” White said.

 

Defense Logistics Agency Aviation Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Linda Hurry officiated the ceremony.

 

She said the partnership is a great example of teamwork and forward thinking ingenuity and directly supports the Navy’s Sustainment Strategy Supply Chain reform efforts.

 

“This initiative reflects months of hard work, dedication to improving processes, and providing best-in-class service to the men and women of our Navy and Marine Corps team,” she said.

 

The initiative also falls in line with DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams’ focus on building stronger partnerships designed to meet long-term objectives and produce the most cost-effective and innovative solutions to our customers.