Bringing Sailors Together For Better Focus
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) F/A-18 and EA-18G program
office (PMA-265) is integrating the Naval Aviation Integrated
Improvement Program (NAVRIIP) into many of its efforts.
The command-wide NAVRIIP is designed to improve readiness across
the fleet by bringing personnel together, to focus on common key
issues and work towards developing enterprise solutions and
cross-functional tools.
"It used to be everybody did ‘their own thing'," said
Cmdr. C.J. Jaynes, PMA-265 Fleet Support deputy program manager.
"The F/A-18 Program Office had their own set standards of
conducting business, and the fleet was doing it their way. Now we
have NAVICP [Naval Inventory Control Point], the fleet, the TYCOM
[type commanders], the wings, and the program office —
everybody is working together to resolve issues."
The F/A-18 Type Model Series team is one of the areas where
NAVRIIP is being incorporated. The team meets twice a month with
the fleet commodores, F/A-18 program office and NAVICP. The F/A-18
Marine Squadrons, MALs [Marine Aviation Logistic Squadrons] 11 and
31, are also involved. Items discussed are usually concerns about
Ready for Training aircraft (RFT) and pilot reports. The object of
the meeting is to make sure that fleet needs are met to enable them
to carry out their mission successfully.
"If there is an issue where they don't have enough RFT aircraft,
then it's our responsibility to make sure they get what they need,"
said Jaynes. "Our job is to make sure we use our resources
effectively to meet the fleet's needs."
The F/A-18 and EA-18 G program office is leading the way on
another NAVRIIP concept called Product Enterprise Teams. The teams'
objective is to take a specific system and evaluate how it can be
improved. Cost-wise readiness plays a major role in the program
office's use of NAVRIIP's specific teaming; specifically, aligning
maintenance capabilities with location and finding the smartest way
to perform these functions. During the Cost-Wise Readiness team
meetings, participants are asked not to accept the norm, but to
re-evaluate systems and challenge processes.
"For instance, you take a radar system and look at everything
associated with it individually. You look at the publications, at
the maintenance plan, at the supply chain, and the repair process,"
explained Jaynes. "The objective is to see if it's being repaired
efficiently and effectively. It's looking at every single aspect of
a system and trying to make it better."
"NAVRIIP is a total command responsibility," added Jaynes. "It
can't just be one group worrying about it. It has to be everybody
from the three-star admiral all the way down to the airmen on the
deck. Everyone has to be engaged, actively engaged, and working the
process in order to achieve the mission."
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