CTMA Project #: 140807
Problem: To ensure that these artifacts are not neglected and are maintained in a condition that ensures public safety and respect for the Navy’s heritage, a CTMA Phase I pilot program was launched in the state of Florida. This baseline assessment represented the initial phase of the solution to implement a comprehensive sustainment plan for the artifacts and static displays for all borrower locations.
Because these artifacts and aircraft are on static display, understanding the different inspection requirements between an artifact or aircraft being “airworthy” and one that is “museum/static display” is essential. The safe display of an artifact or aircraft resting on the ground or its landing gear solely depends on an inspector’s ability to understand and identify corrosion specific to lightweight aircraft metals and discrepancies in critical loaded areas that could result in material failure and subsequent injury or death to visitors. It is necessary to balance expert knowledge in areas of artifacts and aircraft worthiness inspections and that of safety and cosmetic concerns on static displays.
Benefit: This initiative will ensure that the publicly displayed military artifacts and aircraft are properly maintained. Maintaining static displays efficiently and effectively will help the military remain valuable in the court of public opinion and thus enable the military to continue to obtain public support.
It will identify potential safety and environmental hazards that will enable mitigating actions to minimize the safety and/or exposure concerns as well as liabilities to the public.
Use of the Navy reservists and Wounded Warrior Regiments in conducting inspections will provide local jobs, maintain their pride in our Naval Heritage, and create goodwill in the local communities where artifacts and aircraft are displayed.
Solution/Approach: This collaborative CTMA Phase II initiative will provide a venue in which the public and private communities can efficiently and effectively work together to identify necessary and cost-effective approaches to improve maintenance and sustainment and ultimately ensure public safety and protection of the environment where these artifacts and aircraft are located.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Preserve historical artifacts for current and future generations
- Inform, educate and inspire and install pride in military heritage
- Improved inspection guidelines
DOD Participation:
- Naval History and Historical Command (NHHC)
- U.S. Naval Reserve
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Marine Corps
- OSD
Industry Participation:
- The Columbia Group
- Wounded Warrior Detachments
- Possessors of Naval Artifacts and Aircraft
- OEMs of Naval Artifacts and Aircraft and SEM retires (as required)
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Obsolescence management and continued maintenance capability
- Improved readiness
Focus Area:
- Enhanced inspection
