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733rd AMS practices smart logistics

By Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon, 18 WING Public Affairs / Published July 18, 2007

Staff Sgts. James Cantu, Lance Schutts and Alejandro Castillo, from the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, push a heavy piece of cargo onto an L-100 civilian aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19. The plane travels to Osan AB, Korea; Yokota, AB, Misawa AB and Kadena three times a week delivering and picking up equipment.
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgts. James Cantu, Lance Schutts and Alejandro Castillo, from the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, push a heavy piece of cargo onto an L-100 civilian aircraft here July 19. The plane travels to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base and here three times a week delivering and picking up equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon)

Staff Sgt. James Cantu, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, ties down some boxes on a pallet before pushing a heavy piece of cargo onto an L-100 civilian aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19. The aircraft travels to Osan AB, Korea; Yokota AB, Misawa AB and Kadena three times a week delivering and picking up equipment.
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. James Cantu, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, ties down boxes on a pallet before pushing a heavy piece of cargo onto an L-100 civilian aircraft here July 19. The aircraft travels to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base and here three times a week delivering and picking up equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon)

Staff Sgt. Alejandro Castillo and Staff Sgt. James Cantu, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, load heavy cargo equipment onto an L-100 civilian aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 19. The plane travels to Osan AB, Korea; Yokota AB, Misawa AB and Kadena three times a week delivering and dropping off equipment.
U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgts. Alejandro Castillo and James Cantu, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, load heavy cargo equipment onto an L-100 civilian aircraft here July 19. The plane travels to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base and here three times a week delivering and dropping off equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Ramon)

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KADENA AB, Japan -- Working smarter, not harder was the focus of an annual logistics readiness workshop held here July 9-13 and hosted by the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron.

The workshop brought in experts from Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, Ill., to discuss and resolve logistics issues.

"This is synergy in action," said Walter Decker, 715 AMOG/Chief of Logistics, Hickam AFB, HI. "We bring in a lot of the blue collar guys to meet with the working level Airmen that have the great ideas."

The ideals discussed improves efficiency, cost effectiveness, and morale, said Mr. Decker. "Everyone is affected, from the passenger at the terminal, the Airmen working on the flightline, to the soldier needing tank parts in Iraq," said Mr. Decker.

Airmen today are finding ways to move equipment cheaply, increase productivity and boost morale at the same time. The workshop facilitates matters that impact the supply chain and distribution pipeline. It covered Air Force Smart Operations 21, LEAN principles and intermobile operations.

"What we are trying to accomplish is to move equipment faster, to get it there when the customer wants it," said Steve Wright, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, terminal manager. "When the war fighter needs it, it's there."

Some issues discussed are easily implemented at squadron level and the results are seen immediately. Others can take years. The more critical issues are pushed up to the Air Staff and funneled down for feedback.

"These workshops identify where the problems are occurring and how to fix them, whether it's the Navy, Army, or Air Force," said Mr. Wright.

The Air Force saves $20-25 for every dollar they invest in these workshops Mr. Wright said.

Many issues are resolved from NCO's exchanging ideas with their counterparts from other bases.

"They are figuring out how to expedite things faster and more efficiently," said Mr. Decker.
With budget constraints and worldwide requirements, implementing AFSO 21 and lean principles assures the warfighter combat capability.

"It may be the difference in whether the mission is successful or not," said Mr. Wright