DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Members of Air Combat Command's Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program visited D-M April 16 to 20.

"The goal of the assessment was to review D-M's vulnerability to enforcement action from federal and state agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration," said Timothy Jackson, an environmental program manager for the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron. "The assessment is an Air Force and ACC requirement, and it gives the commanders an idea where to focus efforts to stay in compliance."

As a result of the Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative, ACC has changed the frequency of ESOHCAMP visits. Instead of the previous triennial routine, the team now conducts no-notice assessments at least once a year.

Mr. Jackson said he and other D-M environmental program managers previously conducted once-a-year assessments throughout the installation. Now, internal assessments are conducted an a near-continuous basis. Despite some natural apprehension about the new procedures, he said ACC's visit went better than expected.

"D-M has been a leader within the ACC ESOHCAMP program over the years," Mr. Jackson said. "The team had nothing but great things to say about our ESOH programs and gave us some great ideas of how to continue to improve in some areas."

He said it'll take a team effort to constantly strive for perfection.

"We have identified ESOH representatives throughout the installation to take part in our continual assessment process," Mr. Jackson said.