ATSEP, SEPWO inspectors declare Sabers 'Excellent'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kali L. Gradishar
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The 52nd Fighter Wing was recognized by U.S. Air Forces in Europe inspectors after receiving an "Excellent" rating following the Air Traffic System Evaluation and Standardization Evaluation Program for Weather Operations inspections conducted Oct. 19-23. 

The results were announced in an out brief held Oct. 23. 

"This inspection looked at specific functional areas of the 52nd Operations Support Squadron, 52nd Communications Squadron, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron and 52nd FW Safety Office. I would like to thank each of them for the dedication to excellence, which ensured our evaluation's success," said Lt. Col. Geoffrey Maki, 52nd OSS commander. 

Other units on base were evaluated, as well, to include weather and airspace management. Each unit was assessed on their ability to support flight operations for the wing. 

In 2007, the units received a 97-percent compliance rating during the ATSEP and SEPWO inspections. 

This year, "Spangdahlem Air Base garnered an 'Excellent' rating - determined after evaluating more than 700 checklist items," Colonel Maki said. 

According to Capt. Ryan Guess, 52nd Operations Support Squadron Airfield Operations Flight commander, there are a number of recent changes that contributed to doing well on the inspections. Some of those changes include revitalizing the flightline driving program, constructing a $7 million dollar air traffic control tower, developing a non-radar transition program and installing the new Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH, system. 

With all the developments, renovations and new systems, base units worked hand-in-hand to ensure Spangdahlem's operations were running and up to par. 

"The 52nd OSS and the wing came together and demonstrated to the inspectors of the air traffic system and weather operations our ability to provide safe and efficient air traffic service to the 52nd FW and Air Mobility Command assets, alike," the 52nd OSS commander said. 

Of the many Airmen and civilians who assisted with making the ATSEP and SEPWO inspections a success, there were a few who stood out as outstanding performers. They were Staff Sgt. John Zelinski, 52nd CS; and Senior Airmen Kory Guerrero and Thomas Burns, Staff Sgts. Jeremy Francisco, Brandon Ludemann and Eric Oltmer, and Tech. Sgt. Michael Humphreys, 52nd OSS. 

"Finally, to all of the airfield drivers who operated safely, not only during the inspection, but for previous months and years, thank you for helping us show inspectors our commitment to safe airfield driving habits," Colonel Maki said.