"Training Schedule for the 56th Maintenance Group" by Samantha K. O'Rourke

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Operations Research

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Neil C. Ranly, PhD

Abstract

The 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (56 EMS) provides equipment maintenance and back shop maintenance for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The squadron executes thousands of sorties and flight hours annually. This operations tempo requires maintenance to prevent equipment failures, minimization of aircraft downtime, insurance of safety and compliance, and training of maintenance personnel. The squadron incorporates periodic training sessions to train maintenance personnel skills needed by airmen. This research investigates the optimization of these training sessions employing mixed integer programming (MIP). A multi-objective MIP model is developed to address the complex needs of various training activities, such as: training regiments, maintenance activities, assets, and constraints. We explore how the current training schedules and methodology support the squadron operations. The paper demonstrates the MIP model for a problem size of 148 Airmen. The results of the model generated from the solver indicate a theoretical increase in the effectiveness of training sessions, leading to enhanced maintenance readiness. A Pareto front of solutions is generated to support decision makers perform tradespace analysis. These solutions represent feasible alternatives that offer optimal trade-offs between the two objectives: maximal training of workers and maximal completion of tasks.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-24-M-092

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

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