McChord Airmen earn top marks in nuclear inspection
by Tech. Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
1/13/2009 - McCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFNS) -- Air Force inspectors gave members of the 62nd Airlift Wing here the highest-possible grade Jan. 12 following a weeklong inspection of the wing's role as the nation's primary nuclear airlift force.
Airmen evaluated in the final phase of a Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection here Jan. 7 through 12 received an overall grade of "satisfactory" -- the highest possible overall grade given -- by Air Mobility Command's Inspector General team.
The AMC IG team was accompanied by officials from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Air Force Inspection Agency, with observation by U.S. Strategic Command members.
The nuclear surety program management and administration area examined leadership's involvement in the program and wing safety. The Personnel Reliability Program area focused on the 62nd Medical Squadron, the 4th Airlift Squadron and the 62nd Force Support Squadron. The 62nd Aerial Port Squadron's procedures and equipment, along with the 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron movement area were also inspected. The areas are directly linked to 4th AS members' ability to conduct missions. The 62nd Maintenance Group staff's role in selecting and preparing C-17 Globemaster IIIs and the 62nd AW command post members' role in monitoring mission movements were also evaluated.
"These results underscore our commitment to the American people in our ability to conduct our No. 1 no-fail mission," said Col. Jeffrey Stephenson, the 62nd AW commander. "No mission is more important than safeguarding our vital nuclear capabilities and maintaining nuclear deterrence. These scores represent our Airmen's hard work and pride in their mission, as well as Air Mobility Command's focus on enhancing its support to the nuclear enterprise."
"As the Air Force's primary nuclear airlift force, McChord Airmen perform duties associated with this crucial mission while maintaining the highest possible standards of individual reliability and professional competence," said Tom Thompson, the 62nd AW nuclear surety manager. "We had to show we have every piece of the (primary nuclear airlift force) puzzle fitting perfectly into place so we can safely and skillfully execute the (primary nuclear airlift force) mission and successfully demonstrate our Nuclear Surety Program. We proved we have the pieces in place and are always ready."
"It feels good to show our leaders that they can rely on us to be good stewards of our No. 1 no-fail mission," Staff Sgt. T. Francis Johnson, a 4th AS C-17 primary nuclear airlift force evaluator loadmaster. "We all take this mission to heart and we know how important it is, and we will continue to maintain its high standards."
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