TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Although he has called Oklahoma and Tinker Air Force Base home for the last four and a half years, Frank Washburn’s time as the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing director has come to a close.
But even with a 42-year career in the supply chain, Washburn isn’t throwing in the towel yet. Considering himself to be a bit of an aberration with his knowledge and experience, Washburn said that is exactly the reason he and his wife June are making the move to the East Coast, where he will be leading the transition of F-35 product support integration, which includes enterprise management, sustaining engineering, supply chain, maintenance, training, and software capabilities.
“I’ll be leading the transition of the current Hybrid Product Support Integration to a future HPSI capability to provide a cost effective Global Support Solution to support Air Force, Navy, and Partner nation F-35 air vehicles and engines around the globe,” the outgoing director explained. “It will be a challenging program. The F-35 program is different in that engine or commodities maintenance is performed in the U.S. as well as Partner nations, such as Italy or Turkey, whereas today most commodities repair, to include engines, is performed within our air logistics complexes.”
Washburn, a retired chief master sergeant who served 28 years and four months on active duty, entered civil service directly following his military career. He worked in foreign military sales and served as the Israeli country manager before moving on to become a squadron, group, and wing director.
Being the longest tenured wing director in the 448th’s history, Washburn leaves Tinker and his wing with a heavy heart. In spite of the numerous accomplishments and achievements, which deserve recognition, Washburn is most proud of the people he worked with day-to-day.
“Of all the incredible aspects of this job, I will miss the people the most,” Washburn said. “The folks in the Wing are absolute professionals and incredibly friendly. The culture here is unique and the people have embraced me and my family since we walked through the doors of building 3001.”
It’s because of the people, the outgoing director added, that the important mission of the wing is accomplished. Whether it involves parts for an aircraft, ICBM, ALCM, engine, support equipment, of space and communications platform, the professionals in the Mighty 448th perform their functions efficiently and accurately so that when Airmen at the tip of the sword needs a part to generate combat power, the part is at the right place, at the right time.