Alabama Guard Unit Rated "Outstanding"

MONTGOMERY, AL (12/01/2010)(readMedia)-- The Alabama Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing of Montgomery, Ala., was recognized November 23, for its success during the unit's recent Air Combat Command Inspector General Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection. A Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection is conducted to evaluate the unit's ability to mobilize personnel, fighter jets and equipment safely and expeditiously. This test measures command and control, personnel and cargo deployment processes, aircraft maintenance activities, operations, information operations and force protection.

The 187th Fighter Wing, located at Montgomery Regional Airport, received an overall rating of "outstanding" from the Air Combat Command Inspector General team that oversaw all aspects of the initial response capability during their five day visit. In the inspection sub-areas, the wing received 19 "outstanding" ratings, 15 "excellent" ratings and two "satisfactory" ratings. More than 900 unit members participated in the inspection, following numerous months of rigorous preparation. In the past seven months, the wing performed three operational readiness exercises and conducted monthly ancillary training sessions for all personnel, in an effort to sharpen skills and enhance knowledge to ensure personnel readiness.

An "outstanding" rating during an Air Combat Command Inspector General inspection is difficult to achieve, as evidenced by only seven like ratings being earned at the wing level throughout Air Combat Command within the last decade. "Without question, this proves our combat capability and we are ready for the Active Duty Active Association program," said Col. Jeff Smiley, 187th Fighter Wing commander.

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