THOMAS J. POWELL, Colonel, USAF (Retired)
66 ONONDAGA STREET
SKANEATELES, NY 13152
Home Phone Number: (315) 685-0601
e-mail: Thomas.j.powell@verizon.net

EXPERIENCE SUMMARY:

Transportation; Distribution; Logistics; Weapons Safety Management; Munitions Maintenance Management; Disaster Preparedness Management; Emergency Actions Officer; Munitions Loading/Aircraft Generation Officer; Automation Program Manager; Explosives Safety Site Planning; Commander.

EXPERIENCE:
JUN 1994 to SEP 1997
USAF, Military Staff Representative Colonel (COL), O6
Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB), 2461 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22331-0600
Gary D. Vest, SES-5, (703) 695-6639

Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is S21L4. I was responsible for establishing DoD-wide Explosives Safety Standards, surveying worldwide military activities for compliance, conducting DoD explosives safety research, overseeing DoD explosives hazard classification, reviewing sitings of explosives related facilities, and advising the Secretary of Defense, Service Secretaries, and Directors of Defense Agencies on explosives operations. I worked with the Chairman, DDESB, to establish and coordinate the efforts of eight multi-service functional working groups to define data and process models in each of the five Defense Explosives Safety Management Suite (DESMS) modules; initiated and managed two projects to provide automated assistance for management oversight of explosives mishaps; consulted with commanders during Explosives Safety Surveys to validate findings and help to identify required corrective actions; contributed to the Air Force Red Ribbon Panel to identify means to improve Explosives Safety in the Air Force; conducted an average of seven explosives safety surveys per year, including the semi-annual Survey of Korean Explosives Activities; and prepared the Annual DDESB Explosives Safety Analysis for two consecutive years.

MAR 1992 to JUN 1994
Chief, Maintenance Inspection Division, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) to Colonel (COL), O5-O6
HQ Air Force Inspection Agency, 9700 Avenue G SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is 20C0. Supervised a 10-person division charged with oversight of more than half of USAF’s activities. Directs aircraft and munitions maintenance inspection efforts in planning, organizing, and conducting functional management reviews (FMRs) to determine the effectiveness, reliability, and efficiency of AF maintenance. Performs special reviews and inquiries. Assigns division resources to conduct programmed and short-notice inspections developed and orchestrated the transition plan for the directorate move from Norton AFB to Kirtland AFB, and served as the Director of Maintenance during his absence. Developed and initiated a results-oriented inspection approaches which emphasized thorough preparation and subject analysis before travelling. Conducted three special inquiries on allegations of sexual harassment, unauthorized release of Privileged Information, and AF Nuclear Programs Oversight. Led the Directorate Self-Inspection Working Group and developed the quality-oriented self-assessment checklists. Developed the FMR as an expedited inspection technique that implemented Total Quality Management concepts and allowed the downsized division to provide effective inspection coverage. Reporting directly to the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General and the Commander of the Air Force Inspection Agency, formulated and managed, a three-phase, a multiapproach, four team, world-wide special management review to determine the incidence, character, and severity of sexual harassment in the Air Force.

MAR 1989 TO MAR 1991
Chief, Weapons Safety Division, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), O5
HQ United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), Ramstein AB, GE

Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is X4016. Supervised a 7-person division and directed the USAFE Explosives Safety Program. Served as focal point for the US and Non-US NATO nuclear weapons system safety rules, and was the voting member on the USAF Nuclear Weapons System Surety Group (NWSSG) and the USAF Nonnuclear Munitions Safety Board (NNMSB). Provided oversight and formulated safety policy for command assets valued in excess of $1 billion. Provided explosives safety review of munitions movement, distribution, and storage plans and munitions deployment operations in support of Operations Desert Shield and Storm. Implemented an innovative explosives safety awareness program and provided oversight and training which resulted in mishap free movement of thousands of tons of munitions and reduction in explosives risk through corrective actions leading to elimination of over 28% of the existing command-wide waivers and exemptions. Implemented rate-based indicators of weapons safety performance by comparing the number and frequency of operations occurring within a given timeframe to the number and severity of mishaps associated with them. Developed policies and procedures to review explosives safety site plans for approval of munitions operations on command installations.

NOV 1985 to MAR 1989
Commander, Air Force Combat Ammunition Center (AFCOMAC), Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), O5
HQ AFCOMAC, Sierra Army Depot, Herlong, CA