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By: Dr. Kurt Adams, Force Modernization Specialist
Enhancing partnerships with local academia is directly tied to Army recruitment, retention and readiness. Eleven engineering students from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Del Mar College recently completed an intensive eight-week internship at the Corpus Christi Army Depot. Sponsored by grants from NASA and the U.S. Department of Education, the program immersed a diverse group of mechanical, industrial and architectural engineering majors in real-world challenges.
The interns delivered solutions focused on improving material flow, optimizing shop floor layouts and designing innovative tools and fixtures — all aimed at enhancing CCAD’s efficiency and safety in its mission to maintain rotary-wing aircraft.
This partnership is the result of years of collaboration between CCAD and Texas A&M-Kingsville, led by Dr. Hua Li, a professor of engineering. Li’s efforts were crucial in securing funding to make the opportunity possible.
“The internship at CCAD gave the students invaluable opportunities outside their classrooms to experience real-world work environments,” Li said. “More importantly, the internship enhances students’ professional development skills and increases their confidence and career readiness.”
The program is making a tangible impact, not just on the students’ skill sets, but also on the depot’s operations. Through hands-on experience, the interns provided innovative solutions that enhanced safety, improved efficiency and increased effectiveness at CCAD.
For instance, intern teams tackled complex issues across the depot, resulting in several improvements:
• Prototyping tools that reduced processing time, improved safety and enhanced asset protection.
• Developing safer, more efficient methods for transporting the power distribution panel into the AH-64E Apache helicopter, reducing risk to parts and personnel.
• Designing a specialized tool to streamline O-ring installation, cutting a one-hour process to minutes while preventing part damage in hydraulic shops.
• Addressing a single point of failure in the UH-60 rotary shaft fixture, ensuring continuity and reducing delays.
• Introducing safer practices during the CH-47 transmission painting procedure.
• Improving measurement methods for rotor blade spar installation, ensuring structural integrity.
Li emphasized the importance of local opportunities, especially for students with personal or family responsibilities.
“Students are the heart of our Javelina family,” he said. “The internship at CCAD provides our students with the highest levels of engagement in relevant and dynamic learning experiences, which will transform these students into well-rounded leaders in their future careers.”
Depot Sgt. Maj. Angelo Rickert highlighted the broader significance.
“CCAD partnerships with institutions of higher learning, such as Texas A&M-Kingsville, demonstrate the Army’s commitment to investing in workforce development in the Coastal Bend,” he said.
As this program grows, it provides students with essential experience while creating a talent pool for CCAD’s future. The interns’ innovative solutions not only strengthen CCAD’s operations but also prepare the next generation of engineers to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
For 250 years, the U.S. Army has offered opportunities for service to the nation.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.01.2025 16:44 |
| Story ID: | 549840 |
| Location: | CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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