The ORI Results Are In

  • Published
  • By Alicia Garges
  • SMC Public Affairs
After months of preparation and two weeks of grueling inspection by the Air Force Space Command Inspector General Team, the results are finally in. Los Angeles Air Force was rated overall satisfactory in the Operational Readiness Inspection and Unit Compliance Inspection that concluded, May 15. The results were announced to a rowdy crowd at the IG Team's out brief held in the Gordon Conference Center here. 

During the out brief, several individuals and teams were recognized as "outstanding performers" for their work during the inspection. They received an AFSPC IG coin and will receive certificates at a later date. 

The ORI consisted of two phases. During the first week, base personnel reacted to a variety of scenarios designed to demonstrate mission readiness, deployment capabilities and force protection. The second week's focus was on the UCI. The 61st Air Base Wing, Military Satellite Communications Wing, Space Superiority Systems Wing, and Satellite Control and Network Systems Group were inspected for compliance to a number of Air Force and AFSPC inspection and special interest items. During this phase, the inspected units were found to be in compliance. 

"This was a very, very successful inaugural inspection", said Col. Daniel Adams, AFSPC IG. "It was apparent to all the inspectors that the base was well-prepared." 

Inspections are only a snapshot in time, he said. "SMC is an outstanding organization" and is at the forefront of bringing space assets to the warfighter, the colonel added. 

Colonel Adams presented Col. Glenn Dildy, SMC Program Integration, with a giant-sized IG coin for his efforts preparing the base for the ORI and working with the inspection team during its visit. 

As is tradition, at the conclusion of the IG team's results presentation, the team was ceremonially "booted off" base by Col. Joseph Schwarz, 61st Air Base Wing commander, who presented Col. Adams with a boot as a "going away gift. " 

After the team left the room, Col. Schwarz said this was "the best he felt in months." 

During the past year, LAAFB has undergone a complete transformation with new facilities and a new organizational structure. Despite these changes and limited resources, base personnel came together as a strong team, Schwarz said. 

"We met the IG head-on and succeeded," he said. "There are a few things to work on but as a team we'll be ready." 

SMC Commander Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel echoed the theme of base personnel coming together as a strong team to make the ORI a success. 

During the inspection, SMC continued its space acquisition mission while coming together as a team and "never missing a beat," he said. 

"This is a historic opportunity for the center," Hamel said. "SMC has never gone through an ORI before." 

A celebration and appreciation picnic was held immediately after the out brief in the Schriever Space Complex Courtyard including free hamburgers, chips, subs and soft drinks for base personnel. 

The next ORI is expected to be conducted here approximately 30 months from now.