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Historic "Excellent" inspection for the 97th Air Mobility Wing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Toon
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Members of the 97th Air Mobility Wing received the first, and only, excellent score on a logistics compliance assessment program inspection in Air Education and Training Command history.

The rating was awarded to the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 97th Maintenance Directorate by the AETC/LCAP inspection team from Randolph AFB.

"We have 12 bases throughout AETC and we need to go and make sure that the process is being done up to standards," said Tech. Sgt. Cesar Valencia, Air Education and Training Command LCAP inspector.

"It's not so much inspecting programs and books and policy letters and all that, it's actually getting over the shoulder of these individuals from the Airman Basic all the way up to the top dogs, just to make sure they're doing what they need to be doing, and according to technical orders, Air Force instructions, or local policy," he added.

According to the 97th LCAP report, the 97th LRS is providing excellent logistics support to the 97th AMW. Airmen across the organization were conscientious in performing their tasks and were exceptionally proud of their results. A total of 1178 inspections or evaluations were conducted, resulting in a 90.69 percent score.

"I thought the inspection was needed in order to make sure we are all in compliance performing our day to day jobs. I feel proud to work with all the fellow airman that contributed the effort into getting an excellent rating," said Staff Sgt. Michael Poulin, the 97th LRS fuels lab supervisor.

Inspectors found the 97th Maintenance Directorate are providing excellent maintenance support to the 97 AMW. The leadership's proactive, hands-on approach to aircraft maintenance was exceptional. The technicians showed a tremendous willingness and pride to show off their work. Pride was evident in each work center visited by the LCAP team. A total of 1571 inspections or evaluations were conducted resulting in a 92.76 percent score.

"Other than a good self-inspection in May and some fine tuning, we really only prepared hard the weekend before. We believe if you are a good organization, and we are, that you should be inspection ready all the time," said Mr. James Kelly, director of maintenance. "I think all the A-Team as well as other organizations that use the flight line contributed to the 'Excellent' LCAP rating. That speaks well for the team work of the whole base."

Capt. Rick Parent, 97th LRS, Operations director, said that all the hard work paid off.

"I think this shows the accomplishments and potential of the Mighty 97th Air Mobility Wing, LRS, and Maintenance Directorate. The inspectors looked over our shoulders and watched our processes and that's not something you can do only one day a year," he said. "It's the way you do business every day. The year-round hard work and attention to detail our Airmen apply has been recognized at the highest levels and I am extremely proud to serve with them."

The 97th LRS leadership also said they were proud of the professionalism each member of the squadron displayed during the inspection.

"With senior non-commissioned officers thinly spread, junior Airmen throughout the LRS have shown significant professionalism and knowledge in carrying out the duties expected of more seasoned Airmen," said Maj. Kieran Keelty, 97th LRS commander. "I think that's indicative of the entire inspection and particularly front line supervision. I'm immensely proud of the entire unit and especially the junior airmen."