Wolf Pack receives "Outstanding" Phase 1 ORI

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sheryll Klinkel
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing Commander Col. John Dolan, announced during a commander's call Nov. 23., that the Wolf Pack earned an overall "Outstanding" rating for the no-notice Phase 1 operational readiness inspection conducted by Pacific Air Force Command Inspector General Nov. 18.

"We were tested in two mission areas that required the effort of the entire wing," said Colonel Dolan. "We were tasked to establish command and control and generate as many aircraft within a prescribed amount of time."

One test of command and control was the wing-wide recall that began at 4 a.m. which required 100 percent accountability. The emergency operations center and unit control centers also stood up to facilitate the flow of information.

The cyber warriors from the 8th Communication Squadron ensured communication channels were established to enable command and control for the entire wing.

"For instance, the commander requires secure lines of communication to speak with higher headquarters," said 1st Lt. Pall Green, 8th CS Plans and Resources flight commander, "When his secure terminal was inoperable, the cyber security and client service teams quickly identified the problem, reprogrammed the systems and re-routed lines to enable secure lines for the commander."

The second and most extensive part of the inspection tested the wing's ability to prepare for operations or aircraft generation.

"I was proud of the sense of urgency and the positive attitude of the entire group," said Chief Master Sgt. Larry Reese, 8th Maintenance Group superintendent. "With all the practice and planning we've done over the past few months, I knew we 'got this.'"

During the commander's call, Colonel Dolan recognized Tech. Sgt. Christopher Cabano, 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Lonnie Seale, 8th Munitions Squadron, who were coined by PACAF/IG, which is the IG's highest form of recognition.  The colonel also recognized more than 20 Airmen for their outstanding contributions and hard work during the inspection.

"It was a great honor to be recognized in front of the entire wing" said Staff Sgt. Lonnie Seale, 8th MS munitions controller. "But it wasn't a one-person job; it was a result of my entire shop's teamwork."

Each mission area was individually graded and the wing received an "Outstanding" for command and control and an "Excellent" for preparing for operations. The overall grade for the no-notice Phase 1 ORI was an "Outstanding."

"The Wolf Pack displayed leadership at the lowest level, which played a critical role during the ORI," said Col. Dolan. "I am very proud of the 'production through teamwork' that led to the 'Outstanding' rating. We have definitely proven to the peninsula that the Wolf Pack can fight tonight!"