We reported last month (DR, 09/12/05) that Warner Robins ALC in Georgia had garnered the “nobel prize of manufacturing,” the Shingo Prize. WRALC took home the gold Shingo—a first for any government facility, says Air Force Materiel Command—but AFMC’s two other ALCs took Shingo silver prizes, as well. Ogden ALC in Utah received two silvers, one for its F-16 Common Configuration Implementation Program and the second for its Commodities Branch Pylon Shop. Oklahoma City ALC in Oklahoma received a silver for refurbishing its maintenance program of the KC-135 tanker fleet. “The great people of AFMC have been working long and hard to apply lean principles to ensure our warfighters have everything they need, on time and on cost,” said Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander.
All of the U.S. military services are pursuing capabilities to complement GPS amid concerns that the constellation is increasingly vulnerable to interference, but a new government watchdog report calls for better coordination and prioritization among those efforts to avoid delays and duplication.
