Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW) learned Jan. 20 they earned the 2010 Enterprise AIRSpeed Award.

This award is presented annually to a command that excels at fostering an attitude of Continuous Process Improvement (CPI).  CPI allows for improved customer satisfaction and improves integration between the maintenance department and supply divisions by applying AIRSpeed concepts, implementing AIRSpeed enablers and deploying CPI sustainment initiatives.

AIRSpeed was developed in 2004 using Navy and Marine Corps tactics.  The principle behind AIRSpeed is to eliminate waste, save time and produce a better end product by streamlining maintenance practices resulting in a significant savings of not only money but time.  Concepts provided by FRCNW were in direct support to Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander, Patrol & Reconnaissance Wing 10; and subordinate commands encompassing 3,792 Sailors and Marines using 165 operational aircraft.

FRCNW has consistently delivered benefits derived from FRC implementation, beyond capable maintenance interdiction and advanced applications in AIRSpeed and cost-wise readiness to the Naval Aviation Enterprise. Energetically deploying an effective blend of continuous process improvement methodologies, FRCNW executed an aggressive AIRSpeed strategy focused on customer satisfaction and on time delivery of aircraft and components that garnered $19 million in annual cost avoidance.

Aviation Electronics Technician Chief (AW) Joel Green, the FRCNW AIRSpeed Leading Chief Petty Officer, and George Wolcott, FRCNW master black belt, put together a detailed awards package last April that was submitted to be judged against all major sites Navywide.

“AIRSpeed is an integral component in our (FRCNW’s) success,” said Wolcott. “It has been used to build stronger partnerships that topple the stovepipe knowledge between FRCNW and the supply system.  It improves all repair processes within time domains that are required to improve both local and global readiness.”

Through the CPI process, FRCNW has the ability to provide improvements to the entire Navy enterprise. 

“My goal is to reduce our budget by applying the scientific methods used in the CPI process to maximize utilization of manpower and resources,” said Green. “We do this by targeting waste and reducing variation in our systems and processes.”

With full support from senior leadership, FRC’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kimberly Schulz, said, “The success of the AIRSpeed team is very important. It saves the Navy not only money but reduces the turnaround time on integral aircraft parts allowing the Fleet to receive a better product in a more timely fashion.”

AIRSpeed is not only a local function, it affects the fleet globally.  To date, the reduction in Navy spending is a high priority. The processes that are used were taken from studies showing the success of many “Blue Chip” companies that are conducting business in the United States. The methods used in this process have been proven to reduce man hours, eliminate excessive shelf life and weed out waste.  Bravo Zulu to the AIRSpeed team on their efforts to secure this award.