Excellent results earned in flightline inspections Published Oct. 20, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The Air Traffic System Evaluation Program (ATSEP) and the Standardization and Evaluation Program - Weather Operations (SEPWO) inspections conducted here Sept. 19 - 23, brought praise across the board for members of the 36th Operations Support Squadron. The evaluation was conducted in order to assess the quality, adequacy and safety of the air traffic system supporting flying operations at Andersen as well as weather support from the 36 OSS weather flight. "The ATSEP is an over-arching inspection," said Capt. Anthony Hayes, 36 OSS Airfield Operations commander. "It includes an assessment of air traffic system capability, air traffic and flight procedures, air traffic control, airfield management, terminal instrument procedures, air traffic control and landing systems support and civil engineering support." Similarly, the 36 OSS Weather Flight's capabilities, procedures and ability to perform specific tasks were put under the microscope during the weeklong inspection. "With missions such as the continuous bomber presence and theater security package, Andersen plays host to many expeditionary flying squadrons and mission-critical aircraft year round," said Tech. Sgt. Vernee White, 36 OSS Weather Flight chief. "Weather plays an important role in the base's ability to support this mission and must be prepared to function efficiently during any situation." According to official ATSEP and SEPWO write-ups, Team Andersen is more than prepared to fulfill its role in the Pacific theater. The air traffic system, scored on a pass/fail basis, passed with a compliance rating of 91 percent and was hailed for providing outstanding support to the 36th Wing and its multifaceted operations and mission sets. "There has been definite improvement since the last ATSEP inspection conducted here on Andersen," Captain Hayes said. "For example, several airfield improvement projects completed in the last two years enhanced flying safety. This type of effort is what led us to be the first to break 90 percent compliance in the past 2 ½ years." Garnering further kudos for the wing, the Weather Flight was awarded a well-deserved "Excellent" rating and an overall score of 94 percent. "This inspection is a big deal to the 36 OSS," Sergeant White said. "We have been preparing for months; staying late, working weekends. Now we're reaping the fruit of that labor and dedication." Captain Hayes attributes this unprecedented success to having a team of high-speed Airmen and a stellar teaching program. "This was definitely a group effort," he said. "Personnel from every area performed tasks flawlessly and with confidence. The training program we have in place is effective and the product has been very knowledgeable Airmen who can fulfill their jobs in high-stress environments." Sergeant White echoed the captain's sentiments. "We went through the checklists, grilled each other on procedure and conducted hours of group study to get everyone where they needed to be," she said. "The inspection went smoothly because the whole team pulled together and everyone gelled." Comparable to a base-wide Operational Readiness Inspection, the ATSEP and SEPWO are the most critical, large-scale inspections the 36 OSS must undergo. Though previously conducted once every two to three years, the 2011 iteration of the inspections are said to be the last as they are phased out by future all-inclusive inspections. "We are proud to go out on such a high note and our team will continue to strive for improvement and excellence in future inspections," Captain Hayes said. Congratulations to all involved and top performers listed below: -Staff Sgt. Paul Alfred - 36 OSS weather forecaster - Tech Sgt. Vernee White - 36 OSS Weather Flight chief - Capt. Anthony Hayes - Airfield Operations Flight commander - Master Sgt. Anthony Matthews - Deputy Airfield manager - Tech. Sgt. Priscilla Lopez-Lucas - noncommissioned officer in charge, Airfield Management Training - Tech. Sgt. Joseph Arce - noncommissioned officer in charge, Air Traffic Control Training, Standardization and Evaluation - Tech. Sgt. Julian Duenas - Control Tower Watch supervisor - Senior Airman Roland Partin - Tower Air Traffic Controller