Ellsworth sails through operational readiness inspection reevaluation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Stevens
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Bomb Wing was reevaluated April 1 through 3 during an operational readiness inspection; the reevaluation resulted in significant score improvements over the November 2007 Phase I ORI.

Members of the Air Combat Command Inspector General team assessed Ellsworth's capability to generate and support airpower toward deployed operations.

This inspection provided a snapshot of the wing's immediate ability to conduct operations in a real-world environment, said Lt. Col. Timothy Torpey, 28th Bomb Wing plans and programs chief. In addition, evaluation of base support agencies provides more in-depth views of the wing's training programs, deployment involvement and objective execution. Together, the wing inspection and evaluation allow higher headquarters to assess the wing's overall combat readiness, he said.

To garner this information, the IG team implemented a testing scenario which simulated generation of B-1 aircraft to a forward operating location in support of aerospace expeditionary taskings.

The elements of the scenario provided a challenge to the Airmen of Ellsworth, but they were quick to meet it.

All areas of reevaluation were raised to at least a satisfactory level, but four of the six areas exceeded this, scoring outstanding - the highest possible score, Colonel Torpey said. "The IG team validated what we already knew the Ellsworth Airmen involved were capable of achieving."

Members of all wing agencies exhibited strength in their skills to achieve the scores.

"The overwhelming maintenance display of discipline within the 28th Maintenance Group was nothing less than remarkable," said Chief Master Sgt. DeWayne Colston, Lancer Aircraft Maintenance Unit chief. "The IG team came in and was even tougher than before, however, the combination of teamwork, attention to detail and ORI focus by the maintainers clearly demonstrated our ability to generate mission-capable aircraft. The maintainers and the support agencies involved with the generation should be proud of their accomplishment for a job well-done."

"Personnel from every squadron across the base pulled together to make the April ORI a success," said Lt. Col. Christopher Darling, 28th Mission Support Group deputy commander. Five months of preparation and our commitment to teamwork was validated by the IG; they sampled more than 100 mobility folders of our deployers during the inspection, found every single one 100 percent perfect and awarded a grade of outstanding for all support functions. We in the 28 MSG are extremely proud of the way the whole wing came together in a maximum effort to show the Air Combat Command IG how the 28 BW does business.

Ellsworth's top leadership also lauded the wing for its superior efforts.

"The men and women of Ellsworth truly represented the Air Force core values and reinforced the proud legacy of the 28 BW," said Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28 BW commander. "The professionalism exhibited by our Airmen, their attitude, focus and attention to detail proved that this base is ready and will continue to confront the multi-faceted challenges facing us as we support the war on terror."