Dover cuts ribbon on $23M simulator facility

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Saving time and money is an overarching theme for Dover Air Force Base, as the base opens a new training facility and slam dunks another Air Force Smart Operation for the 21st Century initiative.

Base leadership was accompanied by a Delaware senator, Dover's mayor and representation from the manufacturer for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new $23 million C-17 Globemaster III simulator facility, Dec. 5.

Sen. Tom Carper; Col. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander; and Mark McGraw, the vice president of Boeing Training and Systems Services, took turns describing the multitude of benefits involved parties gain from the new simulator, which, due to an AFSO-21 Lean initiative, was stood up 151 days early.

This simulator is the newest most advanced in the Air Force, said Colonel Harrison. Operating this trainer saves the Air Force $17,500 each hour when compared with operating the aircraft. It also saves the man hours and travel costs.

Since the arrival of Dover's first C-17, the Spirit of the Constitution, June 4, 2007, Dover aircrews had to travel to other bases for the type of training that will now be available here.

"This was truly a great success story for everyone involved," said Mr. McGraw. "There was an Air Force need to stand this [facility] up early. [Air Mobility Command], [Air Combat Command] and Boeing all worked together on the Lean event and found a way to reduce wasted time and money in the process."

Delivering this particular simulator was a Boeing milestone as it marks the 10th site to get the device, said Mr. McGraw.

As for Team Dover, Colonel Harrison plans to start using the new facility to prepare his warriors for real-world sorties right away, he said. "I know that the folks from the 3rd and 326th are excited to start using this trainer as they prepare for their 2009 deployment."

Many possibly wonder how the new simulator saves Team Dover and the Air Force money - the answer lies in fuel reduction and goes beyond cost savings.

The simulator provides tailored, flexible pre- and post-deployment training for the 3rd and 326th Airlift Squadrons, which helps prevent aircraft mishaps. Simulators are a key component of Air Force training and help save money by reducing the fuel usage associated with actually flying an aircraft. 

Additionally, from a pilot's perspective, having a simulator here has a positive impact on the air mobility mission in general. 

"This is hands down a better option for us," said 1st Lt. Noah Ayers, 3rd AS first pilot. "It's less time on the road and more time getting the training we need, and back in the mission."