MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Team McConnell recently launched its own Air Force Repair Enhancement Program (AFREP) – an initiative to enhance operational readiness and resource optimization.
This move is a step in the direction of self-sufficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improved mission capability.
AFREP was launched in 2010 as part of the Air Force's broader strategy to maximize the lifespan of mission critical equipment. Rather than discarding parts or outsourcing repairs, AFREP supplies Airmen with the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair items in-house. This not only translates to considerable cost savings, but also drastically reduces repair times, ensuring that vital assets are quickly returned to service.
All the pieces were in place for Team McConnell to get the program started, and in 2024, it finally happened.
“Our (22nd Maintenance Squadron) chief came from his previous assignment, and they had a really big AFREP program,” said Tech Sgt. Clayton Ayers, 22nd MXS aircraft electrical and environmental section chief. “He came here and asked, ‘Hey, we can make money repairing parts and help the fleet get healthier. Why don't we start that here?’”
The launch of AFREP is particularly impactful at McConnell because it is the primary hub for the KC-46A Pegasus, the Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueling platform.
An aircraft as new as the KC-46 requires meticulous maintenance and rapid repairs. With AFREP, McConnell’s maintainers are now able to tackle these challenges directly, which ultimately saves on time and expenses.
According to Staff Sgt. John Gephart, 22nd MXS aircraft electrical and environmental specialist, McConnell’s AFREP has already saved $240,000, and by the end of this week, that number will be up to $360,000.
The AFREP team repaired two parts this week to save a total of $120,000 – and they only spent $75 to repair them.
The benefits of the AFREP initiative extend far beyond the financial savings. By repairing items like aircraft components, ground support equipment, and even common office electronics, McConnell's AFREP contributes directly to improved mission effectiveness.
“Talking to our counterparts at the aircraft maintenance squadron, usually they're waiting anywhere between three and six months to get a new IFMP (integrated fuel management panel),” Ayers said. “For us, once we get one in, we find out what's wrong with it and repair it. It's usually within a week, maybe sometimes a couple days, and they're getting it back instead of a plane being down for half a year, almost.”
Fewer delays due to unavailable parts generates more aircraft in the air, more training sorties conducted, and greater overall combat readiness.
Furthermore, AFREP promotes a healthier environment by reducing waste. Instead of sending broken parts to landfills, the program gives them a new lease on life, contributing to a more sustainable operational footprint.
The establishment of AFREP at McConnell is an investment in its future. As the program continues to mature, it will ensure that McConnell’s mission-critical assets remain in optimal condition and ready to meet any challenge.
The program is not just about fixing parts; it ensures that Team McConnell has the resources to provide world-class refueling anytime, anywhere.