Smart Ops 21: 39th LRS streamlining processes for the better

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  In a letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne wrote that Air Force Smart Operations 21 signifies a shift in our thinking. It is centered on processes (groups of tasks) rather than tasks alone, which allows us to gain insights into the value, or lack of value, in each task we perform. 

The men and women of the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management flight have jumped head first into that new way of thinking by streamlining their process of asset distribution at Incirlik, and collocating their Airmen into one building. 

“We are wringing out the water and giving time back to our Airmen,” said Capt. Michael Kenig, 39th LRS material management flight commander. “The new processes will be somewhat transparent to customers, but our Airmen will be able to do their job more efficiently.” 

The Logistics Readiness Squadron is responsible for all freight cargo terminating and originating at Incirlik. Any materials that come into the base in support of the 39th Air Base Wing mission are processed by the squadron. 

“We were spread out across five buildings across the base,” said Tech. Sgt. Chad Steele, 39th LRS Squadron material management flight noncommissioned officer in charge of storage and issue and hazardous materials. 

“Since the Traffic Management Flight has to process all materiel that comes into and out of the base, some of the Airmen in our squadron had to process the same material twice.” 

Materiel such as mission capable aircraft replacement parts, printer paper, CDs bound for the BX, toilet paper, and extra material for storage were moved from building to building for processing by pick up and delivery personnel or Airmen had to go to respective buildings to process materials. 

“By centrally locating our Airmen into Building 252, we were able to take out unnecessary and duplicated processes,” said Staff Sgt. Raja Beckles, 39th LRS Squadron material management flight noncommissioned in charge of outbound cargo. “Not only do we give Airmen back time by allowing materiel to be processed faster, but customers get their material faster.” 

Best practices like the one the 39th LRS is executing is part of a dedicated effort to maximize value and minimize waste in day to day operations. AFSO 21 is a leadership program for commanders and supervisors at all levels, to look at each process from beginning to end. 

“We looked at our process and asked ourselves ‘how we can do each task better?,’ and we asked the tougher and more important question: ‘why were we doing it this way?,’” said Captain Kenig. “We were able to make each of the tasks in the material management flight relevant, productive, and even more valuable. We are continuing to make improvements and with an AFSO 21 mindset, we will march unnecessary work out the door – forever.” 

More information on AFSO 21 can be found on http://www.afso21.hq.af.mil.