9th AF commander visits Moody

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robin Stanchak
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Maj. Gen. William Holland, commander of the 9th Air Force, Air Combat Command, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., was recently welcomed by 23rd Wing leadership during his visit to Moody Oct. 5. 

The purpose of the general's visit was to discuss his concerns for how the Air Force is preparing the 23rd Wing for success in the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection scheduled for January 2010. 

During his discussions with the commanders, the general's focus was on ensuring that both the Air Force and ACC were providing Moody Airmen with the right training and equipment necessary for success during the ORI, while the wing still supports current deployment operations. 

"General Holland was looking for answers or indicators that would allow him to determine if Airmen are being trained properly for their roles, not only in overseas contingency operations, but also for their designed operational capability, which is a greater stressor than our daily mission," said Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander. 

Currently, the number of Airmen across the Air Force with major operational inspection experience is significantly lower than it has been in the previous decade, added Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander. The reasons for the decrease vary but the greatest impact is due to the current operations tempo in Southwest Asia. 

Nevertheless, the 23rd WG has performed successfully during several recent significant inspections, such as the ACC Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Team Inspection and the Health Services Inspection in June 2009 as well as the ACC Unit Compliance Inspection in September 2008. 

During the next two and half months, the wing will continue to exercise its Phase I capabilities with the focus aimed at our known ability to move cargo and passengers, while at the same time generating combat aircraft to support combatant commander requirements, said Colonel DeMaso. 

"The wing leadership's focus right now is to ensure that our Airmen have the training and equipment they need to be successful during the upcoming Phase I ORI. We are also exploring the right timing for our Phase II inspection following our successful completion of the Phase I inspection," he said.