There I was…
Description
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Colonel G. Hall Sebren Jr., Deputy Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, discusses the critical role of aircraft maintenance in the U.S. Air Force. He shares insights on the challenges of maintaining fighter jets like the F-16, the importance of communication between operations and maintenance teams, and the complexities of keeping the nation’s aircraft combat-ready. Col. Sebren also touches on the Air Force’s sustainment strategies for legacy and modern aircraft, and his journey from Viper maintainer to senior leadership.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Maintenance Challenges in Aviation
02:53 The Importance of Demonstration Teams
05:48 Understanding the Maintenance Structure
08:48 Metrics vs. Mission Focus
12:09 The Evolution of Maintenance Groups
15:08 The Role of Leadership in Maintenance
17:56 The Interplay Between Operations and Maintenance
20:52 The Human Element in Maintenance
24:12 Preparing Jets for Flight
27:04 The Complexity of Jet Maintenance
30:16 Troubleshooting Complexities in Aircraft Maintenance
32:12 The Evolution of Maintenance Skill Levels
34:35 Challenges of Skill Transfer and Experience
36:58 Training and Retention in Aircraft Maintenance
39:24 Leveraging Technology for Maintenance Training
40:52 The Impact of Maintenance Experience on Aircraft Performance
46:28 Maintenance Challenges in Combat Zones
49:22 Training and Logistics for New Aircraft
52:14 The Importance of Technical Orders in Maintenance
54:39 Data Rights and Maintenance Efficiency
57:31 Complexities of Aircraft Variants and Maintenance
01:00:46 Expeditionary Depot Maintenance and Training
01:04:04 The Role of the Sustainment Center
01:07:19 Service Life Extension Programs and Aircraft Upgrades
01:09:44 The Boneyard: Regeneration and Maintenance
01:12:32 Challenges in Maintenance and Training
01:16:22 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Maintenance
01:22:24 Future of Air Force Structure and Resourcing Challenges