The votes have been tallied and a decision has been made. The Operational Readiness Inspection has come to a successful conclusion.
Inside the base theater in front of a packed house, the Air Combat Command Inspector General showed the following overall ratings. The 355th Fighter Wing received a Satisfactory, the 55th Electronic Combat Group received an Excellent and the 563rd Rescue Group received a Satisfactory.
The Desert Lightning Team has had its fair share of practice for this Phase I ORI. The base conducted its first of eight operational readiness exercises in September 2010.
“A year and a half ago, we learned we had a lot of work to do and areas that needed improvement,” said Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander. “After 18 months of practicing, training and addressing the needs of our units, the DLT showed their commitment to getting the mission accomplished.”
These OREs are used as a way to review and refine the readiness processes and procedures aimed at effectively deploying Airmen and equipment on a large scale. These areas were inspected during the ORI.
“The Inspector General team focused on inspecting areas outlined in Air Force Instruction 90-201 with an emphasis on command and control, deployment readiness, employment readiness, information operations and force protection,” said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Bonavita, 355th Fighter Wing inspections.
Throughout the past year and a half, the DLT has made significant progress that has led to the bases improved ORI rating.
“The DLT has made huge strides in the last year and has responded to every challenge we’ve improved from an unsatisfactory rating in 2010 to a satisfactory in 2012,” Bonavita said. “I believe we went into the ORI ready on all fronts. Everyone from the DLT showcased their ability to rise to the occasion and excel.”
“What really impressed the inspection team were the Airmen,” Cherrey said. “They said the attitude of the Airmen was professional and they worked together as a team. The men and women of D-M have done an incredible job.”
