PACAF IG declares 35 FW mission capable

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  For five days, the 35th Fighter Wing had a taste of its first consolidated unit inspection. Monday afternoon, the commander announced the good news: according to the Pacific Air Force Inspector General, who conducted the inspection, the 35 FW passed with a "Satisfactory" grade.

"A Satisfactory means we proved to the inspectors we are capable to do the mission and we should all be proud of that," said Lt. Col. Thomas Dent, 35 FW IG.

Previously noted in the article posted Aug. 28, 2012 and according to Master Sgt. Andre Collier, 35 FW IG, the inspection was the first of its kind since the combining of the unit compliance inspection, logistics compliance assessment program, logistics standardization and evaluation inspection, and operational readiness inspection. Inspection results are graded on the Air Force five tier grading scale consisting of: Outstanding, Excellent, Satisfactory, Marginal and Unsatisfactory.

Prior to the CUI, the command chief of the 35 FW spoke to the Airmen about what they should remember to do during the inspection. In one of his messages, he asked Airmen to maintain their professionalism and remember to display a sense of urgency. After the CUI, he praised them for doing just that.

"You showed the IG team what great Airmen we have here. That you are willing to work hard and make this wing better," said Chief Master Sgt. James Laurent, 35 FW command chief.

During the inspection, 66 inspectors meticulously analyzed the wing's programs, plans and procedures to make sure they followed Air Force Instruction and Department of Defense Directives.

"The PACAF IG team conducted a very thorough and fair inspection and they walked away convinced that we are ready to accomplish the mission." said Col. Stephen Williams, 35 FW commander.

At the CUI out-brief on Sept. 24, 2012 Williams spoke to key leaders about the CUI results. There, he proudly informed them the IG team thought the Airmen did a great job and the team found many of our programs excellent or outstanding. However, the inspectors did find a few things that need improvement.

"The journey continues," said Williams, "We will take these results and use them to make ourselves even better."

To reward the base for their dedicated work, a post-CUI celebration for the 35 FW is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 28. During the celebration, the commander plans to recognize top performers and announce more details on the wing's final CUI results.