Dowty Propellers representatives commemorated the first Dowty R391 Propeller overhaul through the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, June 13, 2024. The ceremony was held at the C-130J aircraft propeller repair facility, Robins AFB, Georgia. From left to right: Joel Davis, Jeremy Barnes, Brian Pollock, Mazen Hammoud, Becky Bray, Vann Burkart, Bill O’Connell, John Kauzlarich
Dowty, a world leader in electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems, recently joined the US Air Force at Robins Air Force Base to celebrate the first C130-J propeller repair at the depot.
The first propeller to be repaired at the facility, based in Georgia, USA, is an exciting new milestone in Dowty’s first direct partnership with the US Air Force.
The WR-ALC Depot is a Public Private Partnership between USAF WR -ALC and Dowty, a GE Aerospace company. Dowty employees have trained US military personnel to provide depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the Dowty R391 propeller installed on the C-130J, which has an unmatched 27-year record of operational reliability, and ancillary components to support the USAF C-130J fleet.
This new chapter in what is already a successful partnership has been heralded a real vote of confidence from the customer on the additional value Dowty can bring to site through its quality operational support.
Henry Johnston, president at Dowty, says: “We take great pride in the work we do to support the US Air Force and are thrilled to see the first propeller serviced at this one-of-its-kind facility.
“This next iteration of the partnership between Dowty and the US Air Force is an exciting one, as we continue to provide the benefits of our extensive experience and work more closely together to sustain aircraft availability. The C-130J has already achieved three million flight hours during its lifetime, but still has much work to do. We are looking forward to continued success with Robins Air Force Base personnel as we help support successful missions for the C-130J for many years to come.”
Brig. Gen. Jon Eberlan, WR-ALC commander, said the depot plays a pivotal role in generating warfighter readiness.
“Our partnership with Dowty in the sustainment of the C-130J aircraft propellers allows the depot to meet the need of keeping aircraft in the hands of the warfighter,” he said. “As the Air Force undergoes changes to strengthen readiness, the WR-ALC will continue to provide support through world-class maintenance and overhaul of weapon systems that support the United States Air Force mission.”
To mark the occasion a special ceremony and site tour were held on 13th June 2024, attended by Scott Edge, Commodities Maintenance Group Director, Jonathan Tucker, 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron Director, alongside members of the Dowty team from around the world. Dowty’s Americas Services Leader Mazen Hammoud presented the US Air Force Programs Office and the Maintenance Group with a ceremonial blade to mark the occasion.
The 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron Dowty Propellers Shop team commemorated the first Dowty R391 Propeller overhaul through the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex with a photo at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, June 13, 2024.