Liberty Wing garners first USAFE ORI outstanding in 24 years

  • Published
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  After more than a year of preparation, two weeks of combat preparedness and readiness inspections came to an end today with the Liberty Wing receiving U.S. Air Forces in Europe first operational readiness inspection rating of outstanding since 1986.

Though it was the first ORI at RAF Lakenheath since 1988, there was no indication based on how Liberty Warriors accomplished the mission.

"You guys did a lot of things well during this inspection, but there was one thing that really pushed you over the top: your Airmen," said Col. Robert Suminsby, USAFE Inspector General. "The positive attitudes they have and their desire to take everything to the next level really shined through. That's not something you can fake for an inspection. That's the way things must be here."

Col. John Quintas, 48th Fighter Wing commander, praised Liberty Warriors for their hard work and told them to take a break. He also reiterated the importance of making smart decisions, not drinking and driving and taking care of wingmen.