36th Wing showcases preparedness during Phase I ORI

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- More than 35 inspectors from the Pacific Air Forces Inspector General team conducted a limited notice Phase I operational readiness inspection of the 36th Wing's mission capabilities June 7-11 here.

Team Andersen members responded to the challenge, scoring an overall satisfactory rating during the five-day inspection.

"I am very proud of the 36th Wing and what its Airmen have accomplished," said Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander. "We have come a very long way in the last two years and done what has never been done before in one of the Air Force's most uniquely tasked wings. To get a SAT in a first-ever Phase I ORI - limited notice, no less - to me, is simply phenomenal."

The inspection's focus centered around posturing the force, including command and control, operations preparation, deployment planning and processing, reception and beddown of forces, and noncombatant evacuation operations. Inspectors also graded the 36th Wing's ability to survive and operate.

"Our operational readiness exercises have focused on the same objectives that were inspected during the ORI," said Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Kunze, superintendent of wing exercises and inspections for the 36th Wing Inspector General office. "The 36th Wing clearly demonstrated to the inspectors that it is prepared to execute its mission. The wing's ability to successfully respond to the limited notice inspection also proved our constant state of readiness."

Team Andersen members also received recognition for superior efforts. General Ruhlman presented IG coins to four members selected as top outstanding performers. Twelve members and four teams also drew praise as outstanding individual and team performers during the inspection.

The success of the exercise hinged upon successful collaboration between Team Andersen members and Navy counterparts, resulting in a satisfactory joint effort all around.

"We did not do this alone," General Ruhlman said. "Our Team Andersen partners in the 734th Air Mobility Squadron, 44th Aerial Post Squadron, 254th Air Base Group Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Five and especially the contractors in DZSP-21 and VSE were critical to our success. My sincere thanks to their support and exceptional teamwork!"

Following the successful completion of the Phase I ORI, Team Andersen members must now shift their focus toward a July ORE and the Phase II ORI on the horizon.

"With a larger inspection team expected in August, a very robust Phase II is likely," Sergeant Kunze said. "The 36th Wing will have one more exercise before the Phase II ORI to tweak some processes. The momentum of the Phase I success plus everyone's commitment to remaining focused should put the wing in a great position to do well during Phase II."