Welcome to VETERANS CONNECTED! In this episode, Eric sits down with Air Force veteran Bill Bernecker. Tune in as they exchange their experiences and discuss the transition from the military to industry, and the paths and resources that led them to where they are today.
More about Bill..
After commissioning from Miami University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) as a 2nd Lieutenant, I was assigned to Langley AFB, Virginia. There I led aircraft maintenance efforts of over 500 personnel in nine different specialties on F-15C and F-22 aircraft. This included managing manpower authorizations, maintenance plans, training programs, and ensured safe operations for maintenance activities through development of detailed operations planning. This was followed with an assignment to RAF Lakenheath, UK where I led and deployed, as a Captain, 290 personnel in ten different aircraft maintenance specialties in support of maintaining 28 F-15E aircraft in wartime-ready status.
Following the two flightline assignments, I was stationed Shaw AFB, SC in support of Air Forces Central Command. Here, I led logistics planning and beddown plan for 45 operational plans in support of US National Foreign Policy by developing logistics initiatives for contingency operations to include aircraft support plans and mission capabilities. This included integrating analysis and capabilities to develop support plans for over 22 locations by reviewing aircraft system requirements to develop planning considerations to meet Air Force operational needs in the Middle East.
The operational assignments were followed by assignments to Wright-Patterson AFB, OH in logistics acquisition roles. First, I provided management and integration for logistics support of MQ-1/9 aerial systems by ensuring cradle-to-grave planning for product support management. Led a team to determine support requirements to include workloads, schedules, test equipment, facilities, skills and training for the weapon system. Next, I was logistics manager on large B-2 modernization program enabling key defensive system. This included reviewing product reliability reporting, level of repair analysis, part durability, and maintainability. Next, I was lead of 8-member logistics team in support of a C-130H Avionics Modernization effort. This involved logistics review of technical proposals, statements of work, and funding plans to support modification components that identified testing, support equipment, sparing and depot activation requirements to development. Finally, and currently, I am a logistics manager on a fighter aircraft, ensuring product support planning is integrated into the acquisition planning and fielding of an aircraft in support of warfighter requirements.
