The 562nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia has just received its AS-9100 certification, following a nine-month process that ensures the unit meets international standards. “It’s a major advantage to us when it comes to marketing for work,” said Mike Doubleday, deputy squadron director. With one squadron certified, the ALC expects others in its 402nd Maintenance Wing to follow, starting with three more squadrons by next fall. Currently, the 562nd AMXS performs about half the maintenance, overhaul and repair work done on the C-17 airlifter, with the other half done at prime contractor Boeing’s San Antonio facility. Col. John Bukowinski, commander of the ALC’s 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group, said he hopes to get more workload now, adding, “We have the facilities for it.” (Robins report by Wayne Crenshaw)
The Chinese spy balloon may have popped, but funding to protect against similar threats is inflating, according to the Department of Defense. The high-attitude surveillance balloon that traversed the U.S. in late January and early February prompted last-minute additions to the Pentagon's budget of around $90 million for measures to…