Lajes earns 'Excellent' ORI rating

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  The unrelenting preparation of Airmen at Lajes finally paid off when the results of the combined Operational Readiness and Limited Unit Compliance Inspections were announced to a packed crowd at the base theater on the morning of Sept. 19.

After a five-day inspection, which was conducted Sept. 12 -16, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe's Inspector General's team announced an overall "Excellent" rating for the 65th Air Base Wing during an out-brief at the theater Sept. 19. The crowd, consisting of Airmen and their Portuguese counterparts, jumped and applauded with excitement, and shouts of units' rally cries filled the air after the announcement.

"The Air Force standards are very high when it comes to an Operational Readiness Inspection; couple this with a Limited Unit Compliance Inspection, and many would say it's a formidable foe," said Col. Jose Rivera, 65th ABW commander. "But you, the Airmen of Team Lajes, didn't hesitate one bit when you took on the first combined ORI and LUCI in USAFE. You held your heads high and led us to victory with an 'Excellent' rating."

More than 45 inspection team members evaluated Lajes' readiness and how Airmen get the job done in accordance with Air Force guidance and instructions. Some of the major parts of the inspection evaluated how Airmen could respond to an incident in a Major Accident Response Exercise. A mass Deployment Exercise tested Lajes' readiness for contingency operations capabilities, which focused on the wing's ability to mobilize and operate in a deployed environment, and force protection of the base.

Not only did Lajes get an overall "Excellent" rating, some Airmen were also personally recognized by the IG team for providing superior support for the team. While Senior Master Sgt. Brian Holes, 65th ABW, was recognized for planning the wing operation readiness exercises, 1st Lt. Alyson Busch, 65th Mission Support Group, was recognized for coordinating and bringing the IG team to Lajes. They were both given the IG Eagle Award for their outstanding support of the inspection team and as trusted agents.

"I had a really awesome opportunity offered to me by leadership to be the liaison for the IG. Receiving recognition for those efforts was above and beyond what I expected for simply doing my job," said Busch. "I was very flattered to receive the Eagle Award, and I thank all of the men and women in the 65th ABW who supported me in making the IG feel welcome and ensuring they had everything they needed to accomplish the dual inspections."

Other performers were further recognized for going above and beyond in the performance of their unit's mission. Superior Performers: Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Rousey, Master Sgt. Scarlet Williams, Staff Sgt. Amber Steele, Airman 1st Class DeMarcus Duckett, Airman 1st Class Taylor McLeod, and Donald Brooks.

"I was surprised when I was recognized. It was truly unexpected," said Williams. "I knew my name was written down in a couple of areas by the IG team, but I wasn't expecting 'Superior Performer' at all."

Williams said one of the reasons Team Lajes earned an "Excellent" rating is preparation.

"I believe the entire team was well prepared," she said. "We worked hard, practiced hard, and it all paid off in the end." Apart from individuals, two teams were also recognized -- Passenger Travel and Personal Property, and the Mobility Element.

Knowing the value of Airmen's preparation before the inspection, the wing leadership expressed its gratitude to Team Lajes. Colonel Rivera and Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Storms, 65th ABW command chief, thanked Lajes members for their teamwork and hard work, which earned the wing such high marks during the first Lajes combined ORI and Limited UCI.

"I am so proud of the Airmen of the 65th Air Base Wing," said Storms. "As a team, we saw the challenge ahead of us and we buckled up, used the tools we were given and succeeded beyond one individual's capability. I am honored to be part of that team! 65 ... In the Fight!"