In August, Yulista Solutions, a Yulista subsidiary, successfully executed a proof-of-concept Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for the Assessment, Analysis, and Evaluation (AAE) process developed in support of the U.S. Navy.
This initiative, directed by OPNAV (Office of the Chief of Naval Operations), brought Yulista’s analytical and human-centered approach directly to the flight line. Over the course of four intensive days, the Yulista team worked alongside MH-60R/S Seahawk maintainers and pilots, conducting detailed interviews, guided brainstorming sessions, and hands-on analysis to complement the Navy’s existing quantitative maintenance data.
The goal: to uncover the underlying causes behind a persistent challenge of excessive tamper events on Data Transfer Units (DTUs) that were significantly underperforming their target Mean Time Between Unscheduled Repairs (MTBUR).
Through this collaborative RCA process, the team identified 16 root causes and 7 incidental findings driving DTU performance issues. The problem statement indicated that 61% of returned units were classified as “Preventable Issues,” with 43% determined to be “No Fault Found (NFF)”—indicating that many of the maintenance actions could be mitigated through procedural and training improvements rather than hardware redesign. The Yulista team used this data along with additional RCA findings which revealed that over 35% of battery replacement caused tamper events in the DTUs due to ineffective and outdated training, incorrect procedures in the publications, systemic issues that were caused by a lack of standardization affecting the entire community, and identified that approved battery primary and alternate part numbers did not meet the required load and capacity requirements. The findings were met with strong endorsement from AAE stakeholders, who praised the thoroughness of the approach and the balance between data-driven insights and operational perspective. The results not only provided immediate “quick win” corrective actions but also laid the groundwork for long-term systemic improvements to boost DTU reliability and fleet readiness.
The findings were met with strong endorsement from AAE stakeholders, who praised the thoroughness of the approach and the balance between data-driven insights and operational perspective. The results not only provided immediate “quick win” corrective actions but also laid the groundwork for long-term systemic improvements to boost DTU reliability and fleet readiness.
Following the out-brief, the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific Maintenance Officer commended Yulista for their professionalism, precision, and actionable outcomes. In direct response to the recommendations, the Wing has already implemented procedural changes to maintenance practices and initiated Integrated Weapons System Refresher (IWSR) training for 20 sailors across four squadrons. These changes are expected to significantly reduce tamper events, enhance maintenance consistency, and increase Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rates across the MH-60 Seahawk community.
This successful proof-of-concept not only validated the strength of Yulista’s AAE process but also demonstrated the value of combining root cause analysis, human systems understanding, and operational partnership to drive measurable improvements in mission readiness.
About Yulista Solutions
Yulista Solutions, a wholly-owned Yulista subsidiary within the Aerospace Systems & Engineering Group, delivers comprehensive solutions in maintenance, modifications, mission planning, operations, sustainment, training, test & evaluation, engineering, security, cybersecurity, and intelligence. Whether simple or complex, and regardless of location (CONUS or OCONUS), Yulista has the team experience and proven success to ensure your mission is accomplished.
About Yulista
Yulista, a trusted Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), delivers comprehensive solutions for system modernization, sustainment, and mission support across defense and aerospace sectors. We support military, intelligence, and civilian customers with core capabilities in manufacturing, integration, modification, maintenance, logistics, technical services, and base operations. Our expertise spans aviation, aerospace, ground vehicles, missile, maritime, IT/cyber, and base and range environments ensuring mission readiness and success.
