OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has ordered the Air Force to raise Mission Capable rates of the F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter aircraft to 80% by the end of fiscal year 2019.
The recent memo issued to the Air Force and other services on September 17th, is in line with the requirements outlined in the National Defense Strategy and is intended to “meet the most critical priorities first.” The memo has become a popular topic of discussion at this year’s Logistics Officers Association Symposium held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Lieutenant General Warren Berry, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, kicked off the symposium by outlining the challenges and opportunities in meeting the requirements outlined in the Secretary’s memo.
The general’s briefing on the “State of Logistics,” described the current aircraft Mission Capable rates of the fighter fleet which is only just over 70 percent. He also challenged the logistics and acquisition professionals to expeditiously meet the requirements of the flightline of the future so the workplace and workforce can be more agile and scalable moving forward.
The Secretary’s memo shows an urgent need for a significant increase in capability and action. Gen Berry challenged the logistics, acquisition and technology professionals from across the Department of Defense, and defense industry partners in the room to work together across organizations in order to develop innovative solutions.
LOA Symposium provides the perfect forum at a critical time when logisticians at all levels of leadership can collaborate to discuss challenges of operating in a dynamic global defense environment and brainstorm solutions to overcome them.
The stage is set for a highly successful and impactful symposium week. “Let’s get to work!”
By Capt. Alex Pagano, Logistics Officer Association