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News from around the Fleet

AV-8B Integrated Weapons Support Team Reaches Historic Low Backorders, Increases Readiness

11 May 2022

From Tristan Pavlik, Office of Corporate Communications, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support

PHILADELPHIA - Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support’s (NAVSUP WSS) AV-8B Harrier Integrated Weapon Support Team (IWST) achieved a significant milestone by reaching a historic low for total backorders. The AV-8 IWST’s total backorders have decreased by 75% over the last 3 years. Additionally, this is first time the AV-8 IWST has maintained backorders in the double digits. As a result of these efforts, the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8 squadrons’ total AV-8 mission capable aircraft have increased from 65% to 83%.
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Due to the age of the AV-8 platform, there are many issues with parts, including obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources or sources of supply. These challenges have led to increases in backorders which peaked at 322.

“We’ve had to get creative in order to support the AV-8,” said Maj. Jason Constance, NAVSUP WSS AV-8 IWST director. “We’ve worked with industry partners to stand up new repair capabilities, collaborated with the fleet and the program office to increase component survivability in order to decrease demand, and we also reclaim parts through the Stricken Aircraft Reclamation and Disposal Program.”

Maj. Constance said the AV-8 continues its sundown process, the AV-8 IWST has capitalized on components no longer needed at decommissioned units or ships that no longer carry AV-8s.

The IWST’s success in backorder reduction has also led to never-before-seen rates in non-mission capable supply (NMCS) aircraft. As of April 2022, the AV-8 IWST has retained zero NMCS backorders since summer 2021.

“The AV-8 IWST has been successful due to the team we’ve assembled here,” explained Constance. “We have some of the best, brightest and most experienced people in the entire enterprise in our IWST, and they have done an outstanding job supporting the Harrier.”

The AV-8 Harrier is the Marine Corps’ vertical-takeoff and landing capable attack aircraft, which provides a fixed wing close air support and armed reconnaissance capability for Marine Expeditionary Units. The AV-8 is scheduled to provide these mission capabilities until 2028, when it will sundown and the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter will assume its role.

NAVSUP WSS is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsupwss and https://twitter.com/navsupsyscom.

 

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