The technicians at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Okla., took matters in hand when the Air Force realized it had no B-2 bomber spare right aft deck panels, a portion of the stealth aircraft that was not designed to be replaced, reports Ron Mullan. And, the production line was long gone. So, a 12-man team at the center began to design the tooling needed and processes, an endeavor that took them seven months before they could actually begin work. They succeeded and now have a mean to refurbish the necessary parts.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.