The Defense Working Group on Nondestructive Testing provides the only forum for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, DLA, and DCMA representatives to freely exchange information pertaining to nondestructive testing methods, equipment and applications. As attendance is restricted and tightly controlled, the focus remains on information exchange and problem solving without regard to contractual considerations. For the past 53 years this group has met annually, providing a conduit for engineers, scientists, and technicians to present technical problems and innovative testing systems to the assembled specialists. Collectively, attendees strive to advance solutions, utilizing their knowledge, skills and experience.

With reductions in expenditures for maintenance, repair, and acquisition of new systems, it has become imperative that the Defense Department maximize the useful life of present assets, while developing economical maintenance strategies. NDT plays a significant role in this process as it provides quantitative and qualitative input on the characteristics of systems and components during all phases of life-cycle management. This ability to test and inspect without destroying or degrading equipment ensures the highest standards of personnel safety while providing the most inexpensive method available to assess useful life and readiness of current assets.

The 54th Defense Working Group on Nondestructive Testing is hosted this year by the Air Force 58th Special Operations Wing, Kirkland Air Force Base and will be held from 31 October-2 November, 2006, at the Wyndham Albuquerque Hotel, in Albuquerque, NM. More information may be obtained by contacting our web site at: hometown.aol.com/dodndt, or our Host Representative, TSgt. Letitia Edgerson, COMM 508.853/6401 / DSN 263.6401 / email: letitia.edgerson@kirtland.af.mil.