2nd Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall
The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases.
As one of the OC-ALC’s capabilities, the team of six engineers uses 3D scanning technology and laser trackers to ensure precise alignment of aircraft components, supporting fleet sustainment efforts and the Air Force’s digital modernization initiatives.
"The agility of the scanning team is the backbone of our office," said Matthew Carleton, 76th Commodity Maintenance Group engineer. "Capturing the required data from the aircraft requires a great deal of creativity. Disassembling the aircraft is often not an option, so we have to think outside the box to find ways to obtain scans in challenging and restricted environments."
Metrology, the science of measurement, plays a crucial role in aircraft maintenance by ensuring precise tolerances and structural integrity. Since 2012, the Reverse Engineering and Critical Tooling team at the OC-ALC has utilized advanced measurement tools to address fitment issues, physical level aircraft during depot maintenance and reverse-engineer parts no longer available for procurement. They impact every aircraft in the OC-ALC fleet.
Despite their expertise, traveling to different bases presents challenges, including transporting heavy equipment, adjusting for extreme temperature fluctuations, securing temporary duty travel funding, and coordinating security clearances. Temperature shifts alone can alter aircraft measurements, requiring real-time adjustments for accuracy.
"REACT's entire philosophy is that we never say no," said Emma Malik, 76th Commodity Maintenance Group engineer. "We strive to address any problem brought to us as quickly and effectively as possible. Our ability to respond immediately, or 'react,' sets us apart. By doing this, we can minimize impacts on production schedules, resulting in less downtime for our fleet and enhanced support for the warfighter."
As part of the OC-ALC’s commitment to innovation and warfighter support, the Traveling Metrology Team provide key information and solutions to their customers, ensuring aircraft return to service faster, reducing unplanned delays and enhancing fleet readiness. Their expertise helps prevent structural stresses that could lead to cracks, ensures proper alignment of modifications, and accelerates depot-level repairs, making them a vital asset in keeping aircraft operational and ensuring that warfighters remain airborne.
From left, Anthony Corpuz, Emma Malik, and Logan Roys, engineers assigned to 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, using photogrammetry during setup of scan on a B1 aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Jan. 11, 2024. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
From left, Emma Malik, Matthew Carleton, and Logan Roys, engineers assigned to 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, discussing strategy for capturing areas of interest during scan of a B1 aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 31, 2023. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
From left, Emma Malik, Dylan Carpenter, and Logan Roys, engineers assigned to the 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, set up and discuss alignment procedures for a drill fixture beneath a KC-135 aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Mar. 25, 2025. The team uses aircraft rivets as reference points to ensure precise positioning of the fixture for the LAIRCM modification, a key structural enhancement requiring exact nose-to-tail and wing-to-wing alignment to maintain aircraft integrity and mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall)
Matthew Carleton, a 76th Commodity Maintenance Group engineer, checking line of sight for Leica laser tracker during E-6 leveling and alignment at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Apr. 18, 2023. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
Logan Roys, an engineer assigned to the 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, aligns drill fixture on a KC-135 for measurement at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Mar. 25, 2025. The team uses aircraft rivets as reference points to ensure precise positioning of the fixture for the LAIRCM modification, a key structural enhancement requiring exact nose-to-tail and wing-to-wing alignment to maintain aircraft integrity and mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall)
Anthony Corpuz, a 76th Commodity Maintenance Group engineer, scanning antennae and mounting positions on a KC-135 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Feb. 11, 2025. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
From left, Anthony Corpuz, Matthew Carleton, and Logan Roys, engineers assigned to 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, scanning the leading edge on a KC-135 aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Apr. 21, 2023. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
Nathan Pitcovich, a 76th Commodity Maintenance Group metrology lead engineer, scribing contour of E-6 cradle at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 4, 2023. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
Emma Malik, an engineer assigned to the 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, scrubbing LAIRCM fixture on KC-135 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Mar. 25, 2025. The team uses aircraft rivets as reference points to ensure precise positioning of the fixture for the LAIRCM modification, a key structural enhancement requiring exact nose-to-tail and wing-to-wing alignment to maintain aircraft integrity and mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall)
From left, Emma Malik, and Logan Roys, engineers assigned to 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, setting up for a scan on the footwell of a KC-135 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 29, 2023. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
From left, Logan Roys, and Emma Malik, engineers assigned to 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, using photogrammetry during setup of scan on a B1 aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Sep. 1, 2023. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex’s Traveling Metrology Team is significant in maintaining aircraft readiness, utilizing cutting-edge measurement techniques to resolve fitment issues and support the warfighter across multiple bases. (Courtesy photo)
Emma Malik, an engineer assigned to the 76th Commodity Maintenance Group, prepares equipment for KC-135 measurement at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Mar. 25, 2025. The team uses aircraft rivets as reference points to ensure precise positioning of the fixture for the LAIRCM modification, a key structural enhancement requiring exact nose-to-tail and wing-to-wing alignment to maintain aircraft integrity and mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall)