NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- The 301st Fighter Wing recently completed and passed its unit effectiveness inspection.
The wing earned an “effective” rating on its ability to execute the mission, which is to train and deploy combat-ready Airmen.
Lt. Col. Lane Beene, chief of the 301st Fighter Wing’s Inspector General Inspection Division, said the rating means, “We are effectively accomplishing our mission.”
During the inspection, four major-graded areas (MGAs) enabled Air Force Reserve Command inspectors to evaluate or observe how Airmen executed the overall mission.
Beene’s division oversees how the wing evaluates its programs as it relates to the MGAs. Leading up to the inspection, the division spearheaded the wing’s efforts to ensure the unit subject matter experts identified and evaluated their programs.
The MGAs are managing resources, leading people, improving the unit and executing the mission. These areas represent key processes, procedures and requirements based on public law, executive orders, directives or instructions.
“These inspections are true tests of our ability to execute our mission,” Beene further explained.
Inspectors virtually evaluated the entire wing several months before the actual inspection. Then, a contingent of inspectors looked at specific processes and programs here for six days in November 2016.
While observing these areas, inspectors recognized five superior performers and three superior teams. These members and teams impressed the inspectors with their outstanding professionalism and technical expertise.
The performers were:
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Ms. Susan Jones, 301st Communications Squadron
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Master Sgt. Clay Jennings, 301st FW Yellow Ribbon representative
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Senior Airman Aquilah Davis, 301st Civil Engineer Squadron
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Senior Airman Traian Johnson, 301st Force Support Squadron
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Senior Master Sgt. Rose Love, 301st Communications Squadron
As for the teams, the 301st Legal Office, Aircrew Flight Equipment and the Key Spouse program received certificates for their outstanding professionalism, technical expertise and demonstrated excellence during the inspection.
Col. Gregory Jones, 301 FW commander, recognized superior performers during his commander’s calls in December 2016.
“These Airmen truly went above and beyond accomplishing their duties on a daily basis. And it really showed during the AFRC team’s on site inspection,” said Jones. “I’m also proud of our accomplishments as a 301st Fighter Wing team. All of our Airmen managed to undergo an inspection while supporting many of our Airmen downrange as well as their return home.”
“Now that most of our Airmen have returned home, it’s time to focus on improving our processes and making each program as effective and streamlined as it can be allowing us to efficiently execute the mission.”
Improving processes works hand-in-hand with maintaining a culture of continuous process improvement (CPI). These things aide in how experts assess their programs.
“CPI has a significant impact on the Air Force Inspection System (AFIS) and commanders’ responsibilities in each of the four MGAs,” said, Maj. Rachel Lagerquist, 301st Fighter Wing’s Process Manager. “CPI provides commanders the tools to find innovative ways to excel in mission requirements while reducing wasted processes.”
Lagerquist explains that AFIS encourages commanders to identify areas of non-compliance and utilize resources to improve the organization.
In addition to CPI, Beene emphasizes to Airmen that they need to know how they contribute to executing the mission.
“Each Airman plays an important role in the wing’s mission,” Beene said. “And, they need to know how they fit into it.”