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Dover international model for AFSO 21, hosts RAF visit

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover shone under the spotlight recently as U.S. Air Force and British Royal Air Force (RAF) dignitaries toured the base to get a first-hand look at the Dover "Lean" initiatives, which have put Dover Air Force Base on the international map.

Visiting the base were Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Peter Dye, chief of transformation for the RAF, Maj. Gen. Paul Selva, director of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century at the Pentagon, and RAF Air Commodore Andrew Steele, assistant to Air Vice-Marshal Dye.

"Dover was the natural choice for this visit," said General Selva during his stopover to the 436th Maintenance Squadron engine shop, which has gained a reputation for the ability to double engine production while boosting unit morale at the same time.

"If you go over to the (Isochronal Inspection) dock, you'll discover the most timely C-5 ISO in existence," said the general. "Every day they 'shave off of' the C-5 ISO process is another day a C-5 is up in the air moving cargo - those are incalculable savings."

The general went on to explain that bringing his British counterparts along for the visit was overdue, since he's worked hand in hand with them since the early stages of the U.S. Air Force AFSO 21 program.

"We developed our relationship with the Royal Air Force at the beginning of the AFSO (21) program," said General Selva. "From the start, I have borrowed from their playbook. They very clearly describe continuous-process-improvement as what they call 'building capacity.' We can learn a lot from their philosophy."

Though the U.S. Air Force and RAF have helped each other with their similar programs, the British distinguished visitors expressed pleasure in seeing an already-established Lean frame of mind in Dover's Airmen.

"These young (Airmen) are passionate and they know they can do more," said Air Vice-Marshal Dye. "Their attitude is very much the theme of the Royal Air Force program transformation. It's about how we can take the innate capacity of individuals to deliver output. It is very encouraging to see that already a practice at this U.S. base."

Though directing change is a possibility for both air forces' leadership, having Airmen who want to create a better, smarter force is optimal.

"The people at Dover have extended the (AFSO 21) concepts to more than just looking at processes," explained Air Vice-Marshal Dye. "This almost touches on culture here - it's teamwork, leadership and individual satisfaction. Everyone we have spoken with today has said how exciting and satisfying it is to work in an environment where their ideas are respected and they feel like they are contributing to the defense mission."

According to General Selva, the mindset Team Dover has mastered is quickly spreading across the entire Air Force.

"I just returned on a trip from Ramstein (Air Base, Germany), where I toured an engine shop similar to the often benchmarked Dover one - though their's is a C-130 propeller shop," said General Selva. "It is very encouraging to see how units all over the Air Force have taken the same basic concept of a clean, lean, comfortable work space which creates a quality work area and increases productivity at the same time."

"Just like Dover, Ramstein nearly doubled their output of C-130 props," he said.

The AFSO 21 success stories go beyond aviation enterprises, said General Selva, who said he toured several vehicle maintenance facilities and saw the same great things.

"Lean is really spreading out across the Air Force," he said.

According to Air Commodore Steele, the same thing can be seen on the other side of the Atlantic, as well.

"We have very professional organizations in the Royal Air Force," said the air commodore, who was expecting to see a very professional organization here also. "I was not let down. It is a very impressive scene here at Dover. I heard about the U.S. Air Force's and Dover's success (with AFSO 21). But frankly, you have to see it to truly appreciate it."

Air Commodore Steele said he was amazed by the motivation of the lowest ranking and youngest Airmen.

"These young men and women say they are proud to be able to contribute to the entire United States Air Force," he said. "It is quite refreshing to hear comments like that."

The visiting air vice-marshall is certain the span of Lean possibilities will continue.

"It's a privilege to visit shops where you have very young individuals who clearly are highly motivated and have sense of achievement," said Air Vice-Marshal Dye. "It makes you wonder how many other individuals are out there, who, if given a similar opportunity, would transform their own workplaces."

The senior delegations' visit incorporated visits to a number of shops, including the ISO dock, engine shop and medical clinic.

"We've got highly-capable people in the U.S. and British Air Forces," he explained. "They are skilled, experienced and also passionate about the national tasks of providing defense. We as senior leaders need to reflect on them and plan to deliver results."