Central to the mission of the U.S. Air Force is having an adequate number of active duty pilots—defending our country and delivering humanitarian aid whenever and wherever needed. As a result of numerous internal and external factors, the Air Force is currently facing a 10% shortage of the pilots it needs to successfully execute the National Defense Strategy. The findings of a recent Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFS021) event also determined that one of the contributing factors to lower pilot retention rates is the non-flying duties pilots are being asked to take on in addition to their key calling: flying. Similar feelings are shared by other critical aircrew members, including air refueling operators, loadmasters, flight attendants, and mission support personnel.
To alleviate these challenges and reduce the overall burden on its pilots and aircrews, the Air Force turned to industry for support. The Akima portfolio of companies responded in a big way.
Delivering Comprehensive Squadron Support Services
Today, Akima subsidiary RiverTech is a top-tier small business provider of essential squadron operations functions across the globe for the Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), and Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). From aircrew scheduling and training, to standardizations and evaluations, mobility deployment management, commanders’ support programs, and weapons duty officer support—our nearly 400 personnel are improving the quality of life for today’s pilots and aircrew by allowing them to stay mission focused.
From aircrew scheduling and training, to standardizations and evaluations, mobility deployment management, commanders’ support programs, and weapons duty officer support—our nearly 400 personnel are improving the quality of life for today’s pilots and aircrew by allowing them to stay mission focused.
Akima is committed to supporting Air Force efforts to increase the production of aircrews and improve the quality of life for flying personnel.
Scott Rauer, President of Akima’s Facilities Solutions Group
Air Combat Command (ACC)
Akima delivers Command and Control, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) and rescue squadron support to ACC aircraft including the Mission Design Series E-3 AWACS, RC-130 Rivet Joint, E-8 JSTARS, HH-60 Pave Hawk, EC-130 Compass Call, HC-130 Combat King, E/RQ-4 Global Hawk, U-2 Dragon Lady, CRC, and Guardian Angel.
More than 160 Akima personnel perform the support tasks traditionally performed by aircrew at Nellis AFB, NV; Beale AFB, CA; Mountain Home AFB, ID; RAF Mildenhall, UK; NAS Sigonella, IT; Souda Bay NSA, GR; Hill AFB, UT; Grand Forks AFB, ND; Kadena AB, JP; Dyess AFB, TX; Moody and Robins AFBs, GA; Offutt AFB in Nebraska, David Monthan AFB in Arizona, and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma.
Key Functional Duties
- Scheduling
- Training
- Standardizations & Evaluations (Stan/Eval)
- Unit Deployment Manager (UDM)
- Commanders’ Programs Administrative
Support - Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)
- Information System Security Officer (ISO)
- Weapons Duty Officer (WDO)
Air Mobility Command (AMC)
The Akima team provides functional support for AMC with an overarching goal of reducing the workload for Mobility Air Forces flying personnel working at 55 flying squadrons in the contiguous United States: McConnell AFB, Kansas; Andrews AFB; Maryland;Scott AFB, Illinois; Air National Guard Base Birmingham, Alabama; March ARB, California; Charleston AFB, South Carolina; Fairchild AFB, Washington; McChord AFB, Washington; Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; Travis AFB, California; Dover AFB; Delaware; MacDill AFB, Florida; and McGuire AFB, New Jersey; and Dyess AFB, Texas.
Our team of 141 experienced personnel support tactical and strategic airlift, VIP Special Airlift, and Air Refueling missions, as well as the following aircraft: KC-135, C-21, KC-46, C-32, C-40, C-37, C-130J, C-17, C-5, and KC-10.
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)
Akima has more than 85 personnel delivering flying squadron operations support at eight Air Force Bases in the Pacific Rim, including Kadena AB, Misawa AB, and Yokota AB in Japan; Osan AB and Kunsan AB in Korea; Eielson AFB and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Alaska, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.
The Akima Difference
Akima’s aviation professionals have a long history supporting the missions of the Air Force. Our strong company culture, robust training and development programs, and commitment to veteran employment makes Akima a uniquely ideal place to work. The result: We attract, hire, train, and deploy the best and brightest in support of our customers’ missions. Additionally, Akima teams adhere to the strictest standards of excellence in program management, ensuring our leadership teams can oversee large, remote workforces with ease. From helping flight crews perform tasks more easily and efficiently, to serving as the functional “eyes” for today’s Airmen, Akima’s work behind the scenes is helping enhance aircrew retention and deliver increased value for the U.S. Air Force.
About RiverTech
As an SBA-certified 8(a) company wholly owned by an Alaska Native Corporation, RiverTech is a strategic partner for innovative professional solutions and technical services. Our experts deliver wide-ranging services for mission support, systems engineering, and IT, enabling information and communications dominance and superior command and control of forces across the globe. RiverTech is a contract holder on One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) Small Business (SB) in SB Pools 1, 3 & 4 and 8(a) Subpools 1, 3 & 4.
