Lajes Airmen complete UEI, earn "highly effective" rating

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mark Graff
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  Airmen of the 65th Air Base Wing earned a "highly effective" rating during a Unit Effectiveness Inspection here Sept. 5 - 10. The wing was inspected and evaluated by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Inspector General Team.

The UEI provides leadership with an evaluation of a unit's ability to effectively perform its mission. The 65th ABW conducts operations supporting trans-Atlantic aircraft movements, aircraft refueling and bed-down and global high-frequency communications.

A UEI encompasses four major graded areas including: managing and stewardship of resources, leading people, improving the unit and executing the mission. The 65th ABW earned a "highly effective" rating in each.

Col. Chris Bargery, 65th ABW commander said the inspection results validated wing leadership's confidence in Lajes Airmen.

"The inspector general team's inspection, evaluation, and subsequent rating validates what we already believed: that we're a disciplined, unified team, that we're ready to execute our mission at any time, and that Lajes Field's culture is one of pride, constant improvement, and excellence," said Bargery, who has commanded the wing since July 2012.

During the inspection, the IG team tested the wing's ability to respond to a crisis during an exercise scenario, interviewed more than 300 Airmen and evaluated the wing's self-inspection program.

Bargery said he was encouraged by the wing's rating in the "leading people" major graded area.

"We earned high marks in keeping Airmen informed, growing Airmen who are prepared to make the Air Force better and in developing Airmen," said the wing commander. "Airmen of action are the United States Air Force's most precious and effective weapon system."

But Bargery highlighted the wing's ability to effectively evaluate itself, recognizing limitations and processes and programs that can be improved; something the IG team noticed as well.

"I was most proud that inspectors said they found our Airmen are constantly working towards improving our programs and processes, and the Airmen feel empowered to make positive change," Bargery noted. "Moving forward, we'll analyze our limitations and areas for improvement, and begin a new season of self-inspection, exercises and focus on readiness and continuous improvement."

Individual Airmen and one team were recognized as superior performers, as well.

Superior performers were: Tech. Sgt. John Firlik, 65th Communications Squadron NCO in charge of precision measurement equipment laboratory, Ricky Baptista, 65th Medical Operations Squadron exercise physiologist, and Agostinho Silva, 65th Force Support Squadron fitness center director.

The superior performer team was the 65th CS precision measurement equipment laboratory team. The PMEL team members are Staff Sgt. Fredrick Rosario-Batres and Airmen 1st Class Anthony Williamson and Jeremy Forni.

The wing commander commended all 65th ABW and Lajes Field Airmen for their hard work and excellence.

"Every Lajes Airman shares in these superb results and in the effectiveness of our 65th Air Base Wing," the colonel said.