6
IRVING GLEANER & RICHARD ARTER Naval Aviation Packaging Improvement Initiative THE AUTHORS Irving Gleaner is a mechunic~al engineer with nearly 25 years ex- perience. He is currently employed in the PackagingPrograms Manujiemcvit Brunch r?f the U.S. Nu\d Aviation Supply Office, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniu. Since 1988, MI.. Gleaner has been ac- tiwly inidved in the design and development of reusable contain- ers .f;w naval ailionic harduwe ranging fkom circuit cards to com- plete airraft engines. His work includes the performance of tec,lrnicul investigutions, muterial studies, nianujactur-ing pimess eiduations. stress analysis c,alculutions, and unalysis oj dynamic slrock loadings. Prior. to working in the Packaging Branc,h, Mr. Glruner puiformed rejurhislirnent feasibility studies of critical air- c,r@ hardwure in the Product Engineering Group. Mr. Gleaner's previous buckground M ~ S in the electrical power generation indus- try. Mshcw he tiesigned pressure vessels and storage tnnks in sup- por1 of nucleut- power generating stations. Richard Arter is a pac,kaging specialist M'ith nine years experience. He is employed ut the U.S. Naval Aviation Supply Office, Packaging Progrunis Munugenietit Brunch, where he is the current leader of the Contuiner Design Team. Since 1983. MI-. A/-ter has been active in the de\dopmerit of packuging, handling, storage, and transporta- tion (PHS&T) requirements for naval aviation hardware and sup- port equipment. His wwk includes logistics planning, program man- agenirrit of container- development projects, preparation of pelformanc.e spec.ifications, and development and improvement of packaging und presetvation capabilities at various naval activities. ABSTRACT The Packaging Improvement Initiative is a Navy wide effort to optimize operational readiness, limit degradation, minimize logistic costs, and reduce repair costs and turn-around-times of Naval Aviation Depot Level Repairables (AVDLRs) by im- proving packaging, handling, storage, and transportation tech- niques throughout the complete logistics cycle. Using Total Quality Leadership tools with continuous customer feedback, the Naval Aviation Supply Office has developed several goal- oriented strategies, encompassing short-, mid-, and long-term improvements. Rather than merely refining the present sys- tem, the strategies listed below reflect evaluation and restruc- turing of packaging processes at sites with varying capabilities and missions. Principal strategies include: 1. Packaging repairables in accordance with existing re- 2. Having sufficient quantities of reusable containers in 3. Ensuring use of containers for retrograde shipments, 4. Developing improved processes to enable afloat cus- 5. Reviewing item repair cost, turn-around-time, and re- 6. Performing engineering analyses of shipboard materi- 7. Development of multi-item reusable containers, and 8. The merging of resultant initiative savings with De- fense Management Review Decisions (DMRDs) to re- duce repair, warehousing, handling, and transporta- tion costs. quirements, after repair at a depot, place at required locations, tomers to properly protect repairables, liability impacts, al flow, INTRODUCTION over the years, field packaging requirements were de-em- phasized in order to expedite delivery. This noncompliance with established packaging standards resulted in a lack of protection for both ready-for-issue and not-ready-for-issue items while undermining efforts to enforce compliance with standardized packaging procedures. In a coordinated attempt to rectify several years of procedural noncompliance, the Packaging Improvement Initiative was created with three specific purposes: 1. To reduce AVDLR repair costs and turn-around-times by providing adequate packaging to the items through- out the complete logistics cycle, 2. To reduce warehousing, handling, and transportation costs through the design of more efficient packaging systems, and 3. To improve the accuracy of on-hand inventory account- ing by providing adequate bar code markings. THE PACKAGING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE PROGRAM Packaging Process Action Team (PAT) studies were initi- ated by the Naval Aviation Supply Office (ASO) in fiscal 146 Naval Engineers Journal, May 1993

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Page 1: Naval Aviation Packaging Improvement Initiative

IRVING GLEANER & RICHARD ARTER

Naval Aviation Packaging Improvement Initiative

THE AUTHORS

Irving Gleaner is a mechunic~al engineer with nearly 25 years ex- perience. H e is currently employed in the PackagingPrograms Manujiemcvit Brunch r?f the U.S. N u \ d Aviation Supply Office, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniu. Since 1988, MI. . Gleaner has been ac- t i w l y inidved in the design and development of reusable contain- ers .f;w naval ailionic harduwe ranging fkom circuit cards to com- plete a i r r a f t engines. His work includes the performance of tec,lrnicul investigutions, muterial studies, nianujactur-ing p i m e s s eiduations. stress analysis c,alculutions, and unalysis o j dynamic slrock loadings. Prior. to working in the Packaging Branc,h, M r . Glruner puiformed rejurhislirnent feasibility studies of critical air- c , r @ hardwure in the Product Engineering Group. Mr. Gleaner's previous buckground M ~ S in the electrical power generation indus- try. Mshcw he tiesigned pressure vessels and storage tnnks in sup- por1 of nucleut- power generating stations.

Richard Arter is a pac,kaging specialist M'ith nine years experience. H e is employed ut the U.S. Naval Aviation Supply Office, Packaging Progrunis Munugenietit Brunch, where he is the current leader of the Contuiner Design Team. Since 1983. MI-. A/-ter has been active in the de\dopmerit of packuging, handling, storage, and transporta- tion (PHS&T) requirements for naval aviation hardware and sup- port equipment. His wwk includes logistics planning, program man- agenirrit of container- development projects , preparation of pelformanc.e spec.ifications, and development and improvement of packaging und presetvation capabilities at various naval activities.

ABSTRACT

The Packaging Improvement Initiative is a Navy wide effort to optimize operational readiness, limit degradation, minimize logistic costs, and reduce repair costs and turn-around-times of Naval Aviation Depot Level Repairables (AVDLRs) by im- proving packaging, handling, storage, and transportation tech- niques throughout the complete logistics cycle. Using Total Quality Leadership tools with continuous customer feedback, the Naval Aviation Supply Office has developed several goal- oriented strategies, encompassing short-, mid-, and long-term improvements. Rather than merely refining the present sys- tem, the strategies listed below reflect evaluation and restruc- turing of packaging processes a t sites with varying capabilities and missions. Principal strategies include:

1. Packaging repairables in accordance with existing re-

2. Having sufficient quantities of reusable containers in

3. Ensuring use of containers for retrograde shipments, 4. Developing improved processes to enable afloat cus-

5. Reviewing item repair cost, turn-around-time, and re-

6. Performing engineering analyses of shipboard materi-

7. Development of multi-item reusable containers, and 8. The merging of resultant initiative savings with De-

fense Management Review Decisions (DMRDs) to re- duce repair, warehousing, handling, and transporta- tion costs.

quirements, after repair a t a depot,

place at required locations,

tomers to properly protect repairables,

liability impacts,

al flow,

INTRODUCTION

o v e r the years, field packaging requirements were de-em- phasized in order to expedite delivery. This noncompliance with established packaging standards resulted in a lack of protection for both ready-for-issue and not-ready-for-issue items while undermining efforts to enforce compliance with standardized packaging procedures. In a coordinated attempt to rectify several years of procedural noncompliance, the Packaging Improvement Initiative was created with three specific purposes:

1. To reduce AVDLR repair costs and turn-around-times by providing adequate packaging to the items through- out the complete logistics cycle,

2. To reduce warehousing, handling, and transportation costs through the design of more efficient packaging systems, and

3. To improve the accuracy of on-hand inventory account- ing by providing adequate bar code markings.

THE PACKAGING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE PROGRAM

Packaging Process Action Team (PAT) studies were initi- ated by the Naval Aviation Supply Office (ASO) in fiscal

146 Naval Engineers Journal, May 1993

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GLEANERIARTER NAVAL AVIATIdN PACKAGING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE

Figure 1. .Jet engine turbine rotor with corrosion visible on shaft splines.

year I989 to determine the percentage of inadequately pack- aged incoming and outgoing shipments at the Navy’s Ad- vanced Traceability and Control (ATAC) Hubs. Inadequate packaging is defined as a failure to properly utilize estab- lished packaging procedures specifically applicable to an item, the omission of which could lead to further item degradation from shipping or storage. Figures 1 and 2 illus- trate typical poor packaging practices; specifically, items shipped with inadequate protection against shock and vibra- tion or water intrusion. Figure I shows a jet engine turbine rotor with corrosion visible on the shaft splines; internal cor- rosion and bearing damage is likely. Figure 2 demonstrates packaging which precludes the use of mechanized handling techniques and full utilization of transportation and storage resources, since material cannot be stacked without risk of additional damage.

The results of the PAT studies conducted at two selected hubs, Norfolk and San Diego, showed an average of 85% of both incoming and outgoing packages to be inadequately packaged. As originally conceived, the ATAC Hub mission anticipated minimal repackaging, hence the hubs rarely stocked materials to provide worst case protection. As a re- sult, their shipments were usually packaged no better than those being received. While accelerated aircraft operations tempos and shortages of space and facilities may account for marginal packaging techniques by deployed units, shore- based supply activities were not under these constraints and were expected to comply fully with established packaging procedures. In most cases, protection against electrostatic dischargc (ESD), physical forces (shock and vibration), and

Figure 2. A fin assembly. An example of packaging which does not allow for the use of mechanized handling techniques.

environmental conditions (water intrusion, dust, insects and fungus) encountered during shipment, storage, and handling was lacking. Clearly, the situation required improvement.

To further confirm the results of the above limited PAT studies, a larger process oriented sample, consisting of five naval supply centers (NSC), 21 naval air stations (NAS). and two aircraft carriers, was examined. Packaging materi- als and equipment evaluated for availability included barrier materials and heat-sealing machines to effect environmental protection, and bubble wrap, polyurethane foam, corrugatcd fiberboard boxes, fire retardant lumber, and multi-applica- tion containers, all of which provide physical protection. Other evaluated packaging materials included box makers, bar code labelling devices to improve inventory accuracy, and other related packaging equipment such as electrostatic discharge work stations, preservative dip tanks, and personal computers to store and interpret packaging requirements. This survey confirmed a lack of available materials and equipment needed for adequate packaging was the rule rather than the exception.

The Navy typically handles material shipments in adverse conditions dictated by the marine environment, such as, foul weather, rough seas, and the relative motion of rolling ships to approaching aircraft. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a typical transfer of material at sea, known as vertical replenishment (VertRep). Difficulties commonly encountered during VertRep include staging cargo on small, open decks, attach- ment of special handling devices to both cargo and aircraft hovering at low altitude, and maintaining personnel safety in this environment.

The Packaging Improvement Initiative Program was es- tablished by ASO’s Packaging Program Management Branch to overcome the deficiencies uncovered by the site surveys. To optimize results in an efficient manner, short-. mid-, and long-term goals were established.

SHORT-TERM GOALS-FISCAL YEAR 199 1

Four short-term goals were formulated for fiscal year 1991:

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NAVAL AVIATION PACKAGING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE GLEANER/ARTER

Figure 3. Hookup of pallet loads during vertical replenishment.

1. To ensure that the naval supply centers (NSCs) and de- fense distribution depots (DDDs) comply with the estab- lished packaging requirements of A S 0 Pub CN-01, Sec- tion C0030[ 11 for naval aviation repairable items,

2. To have reusable container inventories in place at needed points of use,

3. To ensure fleet use of proper containers, and 4. To establish a method to financially penalize system

abusers by denying credit for turned-in retrograde items which were not properly packaged.

These short term goals were designed to effect quick fixes to areas of maximum impact which could be improved in a relatively short period of time.

To accomplish the first goal, the Packaging Programs Management Branch at A S 0 conducted educational packag- ing workshops, visited packaging sites, identified areas needing the most improvement and provided funding to allow the supply centers and depots to implement the rec- ommended improvements. Traditionally, technical cog- nizance of these packaging operations resided at ASO. However, technical cognizance coupled with the recently added finanGial responsibility enabled implementation of the improvements at NSC and DDD packaging sites. Personne: at these sites aggressively reviewed their own in-house prac- tices, and worked through Employee Involvement Groups (EIGs) to improve operations and compliance. By the begin- ning of fiscal year 1992, four of the six NSCs/DDDs were fully compliant with the first goal, another showed signifi- cant improvement, and the last showed minor improvement. Follow-up cost analyses showed packaging costs actually decreased with greater compliance with packaging stan- dards. Unit cost, for packaging of items after repair, de- clined from $38.00 in fiscal year 1990, to $29.00 in fiscal year 1991. This decrease was partially attributed to the in- creased use of reusable containers which, in turn, saved the labor and material costs of constructing expendable wooden boxes. However, increased ASO/NSC/DDD working level interface, communication, and idea exchange was consid- ered the primary reason for the cost reduction.

The second goal of placing container inventories at the

Figure 4. VertRep helicopter enroute to receiving ship.

point of use was achieved by identifying available contain- ers, meeting with container managers, reviewing container demand, establishing an automated process for determining requirements, placing required contracts, and developing improved container management policies. This effort identi- fied 32 multi-application containers, of which 21 were im- mediately stocked at appropriate sites to maintain adequate inventories in consideration of required leadtimes to effect replacement. The remaining containers were in short supply and efforts were made to improve stockage positions. To al- leviate the problem of short supply, an inventory manager PAT was formed to review the process for managing con- tainers and to propose system reconfigurations for long-term improvements.

The third short-term goal was to increase fleet usage of reusable containers. This was accomplished by identifying containers likely to be required aboard ship, developing rec- ommended stockage lists for space-constrained, aviation- capable ships, briefing aircraft carrier personnel on contain- er requirements, assembling necessary containers to test the system, and modifying of recommended container inventory listings, with expansion of usage to other afloat customers. By early fiscal year 1992, there was a noticeable increase of available containers at the hubs, while the afloat customers were contemplating increased usage of reusable containers, despite concerns of the greater need for shipboard storage space.

The space constraints impacting storage of empty con- tainers aboard ship led A S 0 to postulate a mid-term initia- tive to satisfy our customers’ needs. Using fleet input from supply personnel aboard the USS Independence, CV- 62, the A S 0 Packaging Programs Management Branch rethought the packaging process to make it more user-sensi- tive. This resulted in initiation of a research and develop- ment effort to investigate the concepts of collapsible multi- item containers and inflatable packaging. These efforts are further described after the discussion of mid- and long-term goals.

The fourth goal was to establish a financial penalty sys- tem for shippers who fail to properly package retrograde items to prevent further damage during their shipment back for repair. Although this was originally considered neces-

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sary, system-wide improvements have eliminated the need to set up a separate charge system; rather, individual in- stances of non-compliance would be treated on a case-by- case basis.

11. MID-TERM GOALS - FISCAL YEARS 1992 AND 1993

Mid-term goals were established to expand packaging im- provements in other moderate and large size activities and to lay the groundwork for system-wide changes which would effect long-term packaging improvements.

Four mid-term goals were developed for action during fiscal year 1992:

I . ‘To ensure that shore sites (naval air stations (NAS), Ma- rine Corps air stations (MCAS), and Marine aviation lo- gistics squadrons(MALS)) comply with established packaging requirements for all repairable items,

2. To develop a process, acceptable to afloat customers, which ensures adequate protection of repairable items,

3. To review the impac t of improper packaging on AVDLR costs and turn-around-times, and

4. To identify other areas requiring further improvement.

The first mid-term goal, which presents the biggest pro- gram challenge to date, is to increase packaging requirement compliance at shore sites. This requires close coordination between the Naval Supply System, type commanders, naval air stations, and Marine Corps air station personnel. Efforts in this area include performing PAT feedback listing con- cems. providing material and equipment lists to shore sites, and offering education via A S 0 workshops and School of Military Packaging Technology (SMPT) presentations. SMPT is operated by the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and educates armed service personnel, civilian employees of the armed services, and defense con- tractors in the peculiar requirements of military packaging through classroom instruction, “hands on” shop exercises, and laboratory investigation. As with the NSCs and DDDs, A S 0 and NSC personnel visited 21 sites to review their packaging operations. The results varied from fully compli- ant to minimally compliant with established procedures. We are now working with the minimally compliant activities to improve their operations. Initially, reuse of existing pack- ages/containers will be emphasized as these shops evolve to fully compliant status.

The development of a process for the afloat customer to return material to repair points with adequate protection is our second mid-term goal. The greatest thrust of this work lies in the development of prototype containers and packag- ing which can either collapse or deflate when empty in order to Conserve valuable storage space in confined areas of Navy ships. If the onboard storage problem of empty con- tainers can be resolved, fleet users would be more able to comply with the established packaging requirements, there- by increasing the level of protection to fragile military hard- w a x , while minimizing the costs of packaging through the enhanced use of reusable containers.

I’he third mid-term goal is analysis of cost data to deter- mine the ini-ract of improper packaging on AVDLR repair

n-around-times. Surveys at naval aviation de-

I

pots had been performed to review previously generated data; however, the results were inconclusive and anecdotal and could not be easily quantified. Since then, a statement of work has been prepared to task four major aircraft repair contractors, Bell Helicopter, Litton Aerospace, McDonell- Douglas, and Martin-Marietta, to collect repair cost data for correctly vs. incorrectly packaged items:‘ Progress is now being made in working with these contractors with the real- ization that these studies will be of mutual benefit. A S 0 will compile data received from the various manufacturers into a database for further review and analyses. This study is ex- pected to take approximately 12 months. Additionally, a long-term (1-2 year) data collection project has been initiat- ed with MALS 36 located in Okinawa, Japan to determine the effects of packaging on item reliability once the item is placed in use. The study will track actual versus expected flight hours of components, as a function of the level of packaging protection provided while in storage. The results should permit the Navy to determine the most cost effective level of protection, i.e., lowest packaging cost and highest ratio of actual to expected operating hours, per component.

The final mid-term goal is the identification of areas re- quiring further improvement. This work will consist of the transmittal of individual packaging requirements for re- pairable items via user-friendly CD-ROM format, the devel- opment of material and equipment lists, the upgrading of packaging workstations, the development of quality assur- ance plans, and the identification of funding shortfalls. Rec- ognizing that further improvements will be required to the packaging, handling, and storage processes aboard ship, a Shipboard Storage PAT was formed. Membership consists of type commanders (commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CNAL) and commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNAP)), ASO, the Ships Parts Control Center (SPCC), Naval Supply Systems Command (Nav- Sup), Naval Sea System Command (NavSea), and NWS Earle representatives. This PAT is reviewing the logistics material flow to/from and onboard ship. Using fleet input from 13 aircraft carrier (CV/CVN) supply’ departments, the PAT has completed initial review of a comprehensive PAT Shipboard Stowage Survey to initiate further customer ori- ented improvements. An integrated approach to all logistics cycle concerns is considered essential.

LONG-TERM GOALS-FISCAL YEARS 1994 AND 1995

Long-term strategies have been planned to develop and improve the packaging process to better support customer needs while supporting DMRD initiatives. Thirty-eight DMRDs were developed throughout 1989-1990 by the De- partment of Defense, through the process known as Defense Management Review (DMR), “aimed at assuring that the support costs of national defense are the absolute minimum necessary so that the declining resources can be invested to the largest possible extent in force, structure, and peo- ple.”[2] Two primary DMRDs apply to this initiative:

1. DMRD 901[3]- mandates the reduction of supply sys- tem costs through the minimization of repair, warehous-

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NAVAL AVIATION PACKAGING IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE GLEANERiARTER

TOP V I E W OF SIDE P A N E L S

- n

SIDE P A N E L S C O L L A P S E FOR STORAGE

TOP A N D M I D D L E FLGORS

C O L L A F S E D P A L L E T FGR S T O R A G E

-HINGES

E N 0 V I E W

I 48.00 I

SIDE V I E W

Figure 5. Collapsible container.

Collupsihle Multi-Item Container Development Eflort.7 ing, and handling costs, reduction of repair costs and turn-around- times, and the improvement of inventory accuracy through increased use of bar code markings.

2. DMRD 915[4]- mandates the reduction of transportation costs by lowering unit package weights and cubes to re- duce freight and transportation charges.

The effective long-term strategies require a team ap- proach to consider all logistical concerns and impacts to en- sure the PHS&T process provides a well engineered ap- proach to support the customer. Team solutions from engineer to storekeeper, heavy participation from the carrier vessels (CV/CVN) and type commanders, as well as Naval Air Systems Command (NavAir), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and NavSup, and a dedicated desire to im- prove the system will produce a new approach to the pack- aging, handling, and storage of our aviation spare parts.

The development of a modular, multi-size, collapsible container is proceeding with the fabrication of several proto- types. Structural materials being considered for further de- velopment include corrugated fiberboard, composites, struc- tural foams, and aluminum in both plate and extruded forms. Using a Total Quality Leadership approach to this design and development effort, upfront fleet input is being solicited for desirable usage features and test requirements.

As currently envisioned in one concept, an aluminum container, Figure 5 , will be fitted on the bottom with hol- low, toroidal, polyethylene cushions, known as “Skid- Mates” TM. These will also provide isolation from shock and vibration. The container enclosure would be manufac- tured of interlocking extruded aluminum double walled sec- tions, which would form wall, floor, and cover panels. The

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four container wall panels would be pre-joined with riveted continuous piano-type hinges in such a way that the unit would fold into an area no greater than the size of the pallet base. When placed onto the base section, and locked in place with quick release fasteners, wall rigidity would be achieved and further enhanced with the installation of the cover. Thus the base, wall sections, and cover will comprise the basic module, a fairly low rectangular box-like structure. Taller containers with corresponding increases in interior usable volumes. can easily be provided by stacking unit wall sections to the desired height prior to installing the cover section. Therefore, by using standardized basic wall mod- ules, a collapsible container can be rapidly assembled to ac- commodate various size loadings with the minimum re- quired overall height, thereby conserving storage space in the vertical direction. When collapsed, all the container components will fit within the “footprint” of the base unit and can be strapped to it for storage or shipment.

Additional features to be designed into these prototypes may include recessed handles and latches, integrated weath- erstripping and gasketing at mating edges, lifting provisions, adjustable trays and partitions to segregate contents and pre- vent items in the bottom of the container from bearing the weight of those items above, and Velcro type strapping to se- cure loose items. Work is continuing on this design concept in an effort to further reduce the total weight of the container.

Preliminary evaluation programs are being conducted on prototype collapsible containers in C-2 aircraft deliveries to a CV. These programs will establish the stress loading lev- els experienced by the container during both catapulted takeoffs and arrested landings. Aside from verifying the in- tegrity of the container when subjected to the stresses of flight, engineering data will also be developed to determine the container imposed loadings on the aircraft framework, including floors, stanchions, and bulkheads. These “g” force loadings will be evaluated against the aircraft design limits for restrained loadings in cargo compartments. Also, the lo- gistics of shipboard handling will be evaluated again solicit- ing customer input.

Influtable Puckuging Deivlopment Eflbrts

Inflatable packaging is seen as a way to cushion and pro- tect fragile military hardware with maximum effectiveness using the least amount of packaging material by using air as both a cushioning medium and a means to impart rigidity to the package. Inflation provides the advantage of having a reusable, collapsed package occupying the least amount of storage space while always ready for reuse through the reap- plication of air pressure. This concept will be explored through research, design, and development work, now in the proposal stages. An ongoing Navy effort to help in protect- ing the oceans is the Plastic Reduction In the Marine Envi- ronment (PRIME) Program. As envisioned, this packaging concept will enhance the goals of this program by minimiz- ing the use of plastic materials, since the plastic will act as a cushioning envelope, and not as the cushioning medium. The entrapped air will provide the required level of shock protection. The inflated packaging may serve to replace con- ventional bulky cushioning materials currently used within

reusable containers, thus augmenting the goals of PRIME, and may require no overpacking and be able to function as an independent container. In the deflated state, the packages can be stored in compact bundles requiring a minimum of storage space. Inflation would be accomplished either in maintenance areas or in supply spaces prior to offloading, depending upon the inflated size of the package. The pack- age will be usable with minimal operator training, while all inflation valves and hardware will be compatible with cur- rently available shipboard equipment. Current schedules project this research program to be completed by the end of fiscal year 1993 with prototype testing to follow.

CONCLUSIONS

The Packaging Improvement Initiative constitutes a logi- cal progression of steps to correct deficiencies in the pack- aging system which have become so widely accepted that they have been taken for the norm in many instances. Team- ing with all activities involved, providing education, and furnishing new packaging materials and equipment reflect- ing the customer’s needs for ease of use, availability, and space saving designs, are the keys to instituting a new pack- aging standard which the customer will readily embrace.

Until that time when all remedies are in place, the short- and mid-term goals will act to close the gap in the packag- ing community and serve as an interim cure for many of the past problems and deficiencies.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge and thank the many people who have contributed countless hours to this Packaging Improvement Initiative: RAdm. J. Eckleberger, SC, USN (Ret.), RAdm. J. Davidson, SC, USN, for their enthusiastic support and en- couragement, Mr. E. Briggs and members of the A S 0 Pack- aging Programs Management Branch, especially Messrs. J. Devlin, R. Sax, M. Dickens, and R. Da,y, type commander representatives Mr. J. Hearn and LCdr. S. Bethmann, SC, USN, CV/CVN representatives, especially Cdr. T. Coyle, SC, USN and Lt. K. Buchli, SC, USN, the many members of the NSC/DDD packaging teams, including Messrs D. Garcia, L. Stamps, D. Hinton, R. Herl, T. Masoni, J. Duffin, H. Higgins, C. Carpenter, R. Lawrence, members from Nav- Sup, NavAir, NavSea, and DLA, including, Ms. J. Ballard, Mr. N. Karl, Ms. G. Davis, Mr. N. Avdellas, Mr. E. Panigot, Mr. E. Meere, and Mr. J. Maloney, Naval Weapons Station, Earle, especially Mr. F. Lee, and SPCC especially Mr. F. Sechrist and Ms. V. Edgar, and the many other team mem- bers who we have not listed individually, but we recognize are making these improvements a reality.

REFERENCES

[ 11 Consolidated Notes for Selected Publications o f the Aviation Supply Office, Section C0030, Packaging Data for AS0 and NavAir Repairable Assemblies, Oct 1989.

[2] Arthur, Stanley R., VAdm., USN. “The DMR Challenge.” The Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, September/October, 1990, 6-7.

[3] Ibid. [4] Ibid.

Naval Engineers Journal, May 1993 151