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# DLA Aviation and DLA Distribution at Tinker AFB swiftly respond to critical pin shortage, averting grounding of KC-135 and E-3 Fleet

By Air Force Capt. Amanda Hopkins and Samuel Eggleston, DLA Aviation at Oklahoma City

                Richmond, Va.  –              
When the Air Force’s E-3 Sentry fleet at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma reported a defect in a critical aircraft component last year, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and Distribution teams leapt into action.

The fleet submitted a quality deficiency report in June 2022 highlighting the absence of chrome on vertical rivet pins that are used by both the E-3 and KC-135 Stratotanker fleets.

While the defective pins were quickly located and returned to the vendor, the situation escalated in January when a potential shortfall of pins was identified. The KC-135 Tactical Team, or Air Force KC-135 special program office, processed emergency retail buys and communicated a trace documentation to ensure the emergency buys would proceed smoothly.

In February, the K-135 Program office found additional defects in an order of rivet pins from a single vendor that contained non-conforming materials. Aviation and Distribution teams at Oklahoma responded by requiring inspections of pins that had undergone maintenance between June 2020 and December 2022.

The inspections revealed 248 faulty pins; 157 aircraft required having at least one pin replaced. Additional stock screenings were conducted, and the defective material was flagged to prevent use of the defective pins.

The Air Force System Program Office, on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, identified the most critical aircraft and locations for pin replacement, and DLA Aviation at Oklahoma City’s team overnighted replacement parts to their final destinations.

Simultaneously, contracts with two vendors were established to expedite production of replacement pins.

"I feel immense pride in our team for proactively undertaking the essential measures to accomplish our mission and provide unwavering support to our valued customers,” said Samuel Eggleston, chief of DLA Aviation at Oklahoma City’s Material Management Division. “We truly embodied the Vanguard spirit.”

By mid-March, a significant delivery of replacement pins arrived, allowing DLA Aviation and DLA Distribution to initiate a recurring process of physical and systemic handoffs that ensured the pins would be received according to priority needs and that the pins met established standards.

These dedicated individuals remained on standby for incoming deliveries and ensured all necessary actions were swiftly undertaken, including hand-carrying materials to off-base FedEx shipping locations to enable overnight shipments.

"Throughout my 30 years of service in the federal sector, I can confidently say that this enterprise endeavor stands out as one of the finest," said Eggleston.

“The team members involved in this extraordinary effort willingly worked outside their normal duties and hours to support the warfighter with no complaint. Their unwavering dedication and exceptional performance in assisting our mission partners and the warfighter deserve recognition and commendation.” Eggleston said.

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