OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma –
David Stella, packaging specialist for the Preservation, Packaging, Packing and Marking branch at DLA Distribution Oklahoma City, Okla., was awarded the 2015 Paul D. Oliver DLA Distribution Packaging Excellence Award.
“The impact of Mr. Stella’s daily actions is felt DoD-wide,” explained Terry Phillips, chief of PPP&M branch at DLA Distribution Oklahoma City. “He is an expert in his field for advice when confronting PPP&M issues.”
Stella developed special packaging instruction compliance inspections with receiving section, eliminating material damage for over 300 KC-135 aircraft refueling boom assemblies. He recognized the need for additional international standards for phytosanitary measures stamps for the 18-person wood manufacturing work center. He ordered stamps for new workstations and replaced worn ones, ensuring wood packaging material compliance for over 7,000 manufactured wood products.
Additionally, Stella coordinated over ten wood packaging material heat chamber inspections with packaging research laboratory inspectors. He achieved 100 percent compliance on each inspection.
By recognizing a potential metal shipping crate shortfall, Stella quickly coordinated a contract purchase and provided management oversight for contractor supplied metal shipping containers. He coordinated the purchase of more than 660 containers valued at over $118,000.
Stella methodically reviewed 35 packaging data related issues for Air force SPI’s while authorizing waivers, updating or improving existing packaging data. Alternative packaging requirements were established for 16 SPI’s valued at almost $8,000. This improved the lifecycle of stowed materials as well as shipment to CONUS, OCONUS and over 50 foreign military sales locations worldwide.
“In the past year, Mr. Stella has not only accomplished his duties in an exemplary manner, but also used his expertise to mitigate several problem areas and save the Air Force well over $3.5 million,” said Phillips.
Furthermore, Stella coordinated manufacturing of six new shipping crates in support of the 20 B-2 aircraft for use as handling devices during system maintenance and shipment to Air Logistics Complex repair facilities, eliminating damage to oxygen concentrator assemblies.
Stella also provided support to the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group after modifications were made to over 60 B-52 bombers non-stock listed landing flap track assemblies. He obtained dimensional information of the flap track and brainstormed with Air Force counterparts and developed a packaging design suitable for round trip shipment to and from the contractor.
“Mr. Stella’s outstanding performance and demonstrated professionalism, enthusiasm and attention to detail make him an integral part of the DLA Distribution Oklahoma City team,” said Phillips. “He is most deserving of the recognition of this prestigious award and has brought credit upon himself and this organization.”