Team McChord ready to excel at ORI

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  After months of preparation and countless hours of training under its belt, Team McChord leaders say the wings are ready to excel at the Operational Readiness Inspection. 

The Air Mobility Command Inspector General Team from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., arrives on McChord Oct. 25. After a brief welcome reception at the McChord Clubs and Community Center, the inspection could begin as early as that afternoon. Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, emphasized the importance of the entire base remaining focused throughout the inspection. 

"Team McChord has an incredible opportunity to showcase our combat airlift mission excellence to the command inspection team," he said. "At this point, it's all about relying on our training, keeping a keen eye on safety and maintaining our positive attitude." 

The purpose of an ORI is to assess an entire unit's ability to execute its wartime mission. Not only will inspectors evaluate Airmen at Alpena, Mich., and other forward operating locations, Airmen not deploying to Alpena are likely to also receive a visit from inspection team members. 

"Everyone remaining behind to support our deployers must be inspection ready at all times," said Col. Michael Hornitschek, 62nd AW vice commander. "I have no doubt all of McChord's Airmen are ready -- I ask everyone to remain razor sharp." 

The wing has been preparing for the ORI in the midst of a dizzying ops tempo. McChord aircrews have been flying non-stop for months supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Both the 62nd and 446th AWs have more than 600 Airmen from nearly every career field deployed around the globe. 

Despite the heavy commitment to the war effort, McChord's Airmen conducted multiple wing flyaways and dozens of training sessions to reinforce our existing combat skills and ensure that everyone is ready for the inspection, Colonel Hornitschek said. 

"I have no doubt the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings are ready to bring it on for this challenge," he said. 

Colonel Kilb agreed. 

"McChord is known for the great Airmen that execute the mission with excellence every day ... at home and around the world," Colonel Kilb said. "The ORI is our chance to shine under the spotlight of an inspection." 

The ORI is expected to last until Nov. 1, and the wing will host an outbrief on Nov. 5 or 6, tentatively set for Hangar 3.