IDEA wins NCO $10,000

Published Feb. 13, 2004
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (ACCNS) -- An NCO assigned to the 4th Component Maintenance Squadron here earned $10,000 from the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program.

Tech Sgt. Scott Weimann used the IDEA program to propose a new method for replacing damaged electrical connectors on the F-15E's amplifier assembly - a method that will save the Air Force more than $63,972.90 per connector.

The assembly is a device used to increase the radio frequency power of the aircraft's electronic warfare jamming signals.

Instead of the old method of sending damaged connectors to the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center for repair, Sergeant Weimann suggested the parts could be replaced at the on-base Air Force Repair Enhancement Program for about $35.00.

According to Sergeant Weimann, the old method of replacing damaged connectors could take up to two months, but the new procedure means the part can be repaired within a week.

The new process for replacing damaged connectors is in place and has already saved the Air Force about $250,000, he said.

"My initial goal was to get the connectors replaced as quickly as possible in order to keep the jets flying," said Sergeant Weimann. "I wasn't even thinking about the possibility of receiving any money; I was just concerned about the mission."