Nuclear surety functional experts see strengths from McChord

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  A team of 13 nuclear surety functional experts came here from Air Mobility Command Headquarters March 13 to 18 to review the 62nd Airlift Wing's nuclear surety program in preparation for an upcoming Nuclear Surety Inspection.

"During a Nuclear Surety Staff Assistance Visit, the functional experts look at the same processes as the inspectors would for an NSI, but they don't dig as deeply into the specifics," said Mr. Tom Thompson, 62nd AW nuclear surety manager. "They focus on our overall procedures, as opposed to specific deficiency areas."

While the week-long NSSAV seems like a rigorous inspection, it is primarily designed to assist the wing by enhancing the nuclear surety program. This is accomplished by pointing out possible shortcomings and how to fix them, as well as identifying outstanding performances by Airmen.

"We don't receive grades from the NSSAV, but they give helpful feedback to point out strengths, recommended improvement areas and deficiencies," said Mr. Thompson. "At the end of an NSI, we receive an overall grade and grades in the major graded areas."

Squadrons evaluated during the visit included the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 62nd Maintenance Squadron, 62nd Maintenance Operation Squadron, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron, 627th Force Support Squadron, 62nd Medical Squadron and the 4th Airlift Squadron. The NSSAV team also evaluated the Command Post and 62nd Nuclear Surety Office, and interviewed squadron, group and wing commanders to assess leadership involvement.

"The 4th Airlift Squadron's results included all strengths," said Mr. Thompson. "They received no feedback of recommended improvement areas or deficiencies."

According to Mr. Thompson, the NSSAV occurs roughly every 18 months, and they're usually mid-way between NSIs. The NSI has to occur every 18 months by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instructions.

The importance of the NSSAV team's visit is quite clear when it comes to the wing and group getting ready for the upcoming inspections.

"To prepare for the NSSAV and NSI, we perform spot inspections of the squadrons to look at their procedures," said Mr. Thompson. "We approve all of their checklists and internally developed processes."

By recognizing potential shortcomings early, McChord Airmen are able to take the comments from the NSSAV team, and immediately make the changes necessary to perfect the task at hand.

"We're continually working to improve our processes," said Mr. Thompson. "We will be ready."

With the feedback from this NSSAV, Team McChord prepares for a no-notice Nuclear Surety Inspection sometime by the end of December.