D-M ORI

Tech. Sgt. Nicholas O'Reilly from the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, writes the fuse settings on an M-82 during the 355th Maintenance Group Operational Readiness Inspection Feb. 29 here. The ORI trains D-M Airmen in deployment, mobility capabilities, alert signals, anti-terrorism measures, force protection, and ensures that Airmen remain prepared for combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah R. Johnson)

355th Fighter Wing excels during ORI limited reevaluation

Published March 6, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Fighter Wing completed an Air Combat Command Operational Readiness Inspection limited reevaluation March 3.

The inspection, conducted Feb. 27 through Feb. 29, evaluated the 355th Fighter Wing's ability to generate airpower in a combat environment. The wing earned superior marks during the inspection--Outstanding or Excellent ratings on eighty percent of the graded areas. In addition, the Air Combat Command team chief complimented the wing for "incredible professionalism, dedication, and unit pride."

The 355th Fighter Wing commander echoed that praise.

"This is the culmination of a year of successes for our Airmen at Davis-Monthan, including historic wartime deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan," said 355th Commander Col. Kent Laughbaum. "Our Airmen have proven their mettle in combat throughout Southwest Asia, and have now fully demonstrated their ability to fight and win anywhere the 355th Fighter Wing mission might require."

Col. Dennis Shumaker, 355th Maintenance Group commander, said the success is attributed to the hard work and dedication of the Airmen.

"The men and women of the 355th MXG trained very hard for the ORI while continuing to produce airpower for our Desert Lightning Team," he said. "We also had awesome support from every agency on base. The POL (petroleum, oil and lubricants) and logistics warriors from 355th Mission Support Group were with us side-by-side during every ORE (Operational Readiness Exercise) as well as the ORI. Likewise, the support from the 355th Operations Group and 355th Medical Group was outstanding. They were our wingmen, dressed in full chemical warfare gear in the most difficult conditions, to prove the 355th's combat capability. The ACC IG left D-M not only knowing we are ready, but that we have exceeded every expectation."