309th SMXG adapts to change and continues support

  • Published
  • By Todd Cromar
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Hill Air Force Base, Utah – Adapting to a changing work environment, the 309th Software Maintenance Wing and Software Engineering Group, units in the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill Air Force Base, have worked through many challenges associated with COVID-19, while continuing to provide mission support to the warfighter and maintain mission readiness.

“We have successfully used shift work and alternating schedules to minimize exposure risks while keeping the workload requirements moving forward.” said Enos Cummings, director of engineering for the 309th Software Engineering Group. “Teams have been successful in remaining productive teleworking while working closely with System Program Offices to coordinate these efforts.”

The 309th SWEG currently has just more than 1,800 team members, including a large cadre of engineers, computer scientists, cyber security experts, configuration management specialists, and support personnel, all working together to engineer organic software/hardware solutions for the warfighter.

“Software development efforts continue during this change, but we are working hard to ensure all security requirements are given paramount consideration," Cummings said. "On any given day, there are approximately 50%+ of our team members teleworking.  We have found great success with our support teams (finance, acquisition, process, internal tools development, etc.) being able to complete their mission almost seamlessly.”

The 309th Software Engineering Group consists of multiple squadrons, accomplishing and maintaining a diverse workload:

516th Software Engineering Squadron, focuses on Automatic Test Equipment development and sustainment, as well as space systems.

517th Software Engineering Squadron focuses on Command and Control and Space Systems. They have a large (100+) geographically separated unit at Petersen AFB. Organic Ground Based Strategic Deterrent is also located in this squadron.

518th Software Engineering Squadron focuses on developing Operational Flight Programs for the F-16 Fighter Aircraft, adding capability and lethality.

519th Software Engineering Squadron focuses on developing Software Integration Laboratory environments that are required for OFP development and test.  Also develops Simulators and Mission planning efforts.

520th Software Engineering Squadron focuses on common aircraft programming, Space Systems, and A-10 OFP development.

“Our primary customers are the System Program Offices for fighter aircraft, space systems, and missile systems who directly represent the warfighter.” Cummings said. “Many workloads in the Software Engineering Group are also transitioning to agile software production methodologies, which require close collaboration between the developers and the customers to provide quick turn requirement development and realization.  This equates to a shortened schedule for delivery of incremental software to the warfighter.”