By Ann Roosevelt
Boeing [BA] Rotorcraft Systems in Philadelphia yesterday said operations resumed on the CH-47F Chinook helicopter production line the same day, as the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) continued to investigate damage to two helicopters.
Production May 13 was temporarily halted to facilitate an investigation of what DCIS termed “vandalism” found on two aircraft and an inspection of the aircraft in the Boeing facility, (Defense Daily, May 15).
“All we can say the damage was done intentionally,” Ken Maupin, resident agent in charge of the Philadelphia area DCIS office, told Defense Daily in a telephone interview. “It is a criminal investigation that will continue until we identify, arrest and convict them.”
Federal charges could include some statutes concerning damage during wartime, which could result in a 30-year prison term, he said. DCIS the criminal investigative arm of the Defense Department Inspector General.
DCIS has some 10 agents working on the investigation, and there is a $5,000 reward for information.
“A thorough inspection of all the aircraft on the production line revealed no addition damage,” the Army said in a statement. Both the product manager and DCIS have imposed some additional inspection procedures on the manufacturer to ensure the continued integrity of the production line.
The vandalism was discovered by Boeing employees who notified management and DCIS.
“It has been determined to be an isolated incident,” the Army said.
“All employees are reporting to work on their regularly assigned shifts,” the company said. “Boeing will continue to cooperate with the Defense Contract Management Agency to close this incident. Boeing Rotorcraft employees have worked to resolve the issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.”