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News | April 25, 2016

C-130 parts delivered on time, every time by DLA Distribution Warner Robins

By Dawn Bonsell DLA Distribution Public Affairs

More than half the work completed at DLA Distribution Warner Robins, Ga., is in support of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. The organization's inventory includes parts and equipment for F-15, C-130, C-5 and C-17 aircraft, target acquisition systems, and most airborne electronic warfare systems.

Kent Wheeler, director, DLA Distribution Warner Robins, Ga., was approached last fall by Air Force Col. Rod Bloker, DLA Aviation Warner Robins commander, regarding a delay in flight testing for C-130 planes awaiting parts. The C-130 is a key aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, primarily performing the tactical portion of the airlift mission. Since it can take off from rough, dirt strips it is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. 

In an effort to assist co-located DLA Aviation with the C-130 parts delivery dilemma, Wheeler assigned an Emergency Supply Operations Center, or ESOC, team at DLA Distribution Warner Robins to fine-tune the parts delivery process and ensure timely delivery. The ESOC team jumped into action, using a 24/7 systems analysis to create a report listing any emergency requisitions for the C-130 test area. During the last three weeks of September 2015, the ESOC team received requisition reports via email. The C-130 parts were then picked and delivered within one hour after the request was dropped into the Distribution Standard System, DLA Distribution’s electronic warehousing system.

In addition to the reports, U.S. Air Force and DLA Aviation customer supply representatives notified DLA Distribution customer service via email before 8 a.m. on any day they had a part scheduled for delivery from off base. The tracking numbers for the shipments were then loaded into the scan guns at Distribution’s receiving dock. The scan guns were set to beep several times to indicate the tracking numbers were scanned, and the parts were then expedited in receiving with an emergency ticket to allow the ESOC team to deliver the parts immediately to DLA Aviation. In addition to the emergency ticket, the parts were labeled with a “red hot” sticker to make them stand out.

Finally, at 3:00 p.m. every day, DLA Distribution communicated with the C-130 Forward Logistics Specialists to make sure they had everything they needed for the day.

According to Wheeler, “Demonstrating one of DLA Distribution’s core capabilities- materiel movement tracking and expediting- DLA Distribution Warner Robins has put a system in place for ensuring a quick turn-time for C-130 repair parts. The ESOC team has set a standard. A system is now in place for any future emergency delivery situations.”