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Kadena F-15's net highest mission capable rate in a decade

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
Airmen of the 18th Maintenance Group set new standards this year by achieving the highest mission capable rates for the F-15 Eagle in a decade.

The 18th MXG achieved a mission capable rate of 81.1 percent in fiscal year 2007, up from 74.5 percent in 2006, and 62.4 percent in 2005.

This rate exceeds the Pacific Air Force standard of 81 percent and was accomplished in the midst of transformation of the fleet here at Kadena.

"We brought the focus back to basic maintenance discipline," said Col. John Harris, 18th MXG commander. "Over the years, we had initiated one new program after another intended to fix specific problems. But you can only pile on so much before supervisors become submerged. "

"I figured that if it wasn't required by technical data," he said. "Air Force policy, or driven by common sense, we probably didn't need it. So, we stripped away everything that wasn't essential and freed up leaders to lead. I think we're seeing the results."

The improved rates of mission capable aircraft had a positive effect on the wing's capability to carry out the mission according to Col. Mark Henkel, 18th Operations Group, commander.

"The increased F-15 mission capable rates over the last year have had a tremendous positive effect on the operations group's combat readiness," said Colonel Henkel. "We were able to conduct more pilot upgrades than the previous year. We also were able to conduct more large-force employment exercises, where we combined multi-ship formations in realistic combat scenarios to practice the most complex aspects of air superiority."

In November, the F-15 Eagle aircraft maintenance units combined forces and flew a very successful sortie surge, with 412 sorties in three days. They topped it off by flying the most sorties in a single day, with 152 on the last day.

In a shrinking Air Force, it can be difficult to make such strides while meeting the ever growing needs of force reduction and thinner manning.

"The jets keep getting older, the workforce younger, smaller and less experienced," said Colonel Harris. "But the requirements to train pilots haven't changed, and there are increasing demands for our skilled maintainers to do things like stand guard at the gate and be trans-country national escorts. This means we must become as efficient as we can."

According to the colonel, professional competence comes from relentless training to high standards, keeping people's attention fixed on knowing everything there is about their jobs and fighting all the distractions that come their way.

"Leaders that are insightful, not afraid to take reasonable risks and are fearless are absolutely essential, and I'm not talking about colonels and chiefs," said Colonel Harris. "I'm talking about the staff sergeants, technical sergeants, lieutenants and captains. Leadership at the point of contact makes all the difference. The challenge becomes educating, equipping, motivating and trusting them."

According to the colonel, maintainers of other Kadena aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotankers, HH-60 Pave Hawks and E-3 Sentries continue to sustain a level of performance that is also exceptional in their own right.

"Given the successes I've seen here lately, I'm very encouraged that we'll continue to provide unmatched combat airpower well into the future," he said.