S.A.L.U.T.E.

ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. – An Airman of the 125th Air Expeditionary Wing (deployed) yells a “SALUTE” report to his Unit Control Center during an Operational Readiness Inspection here July 22, 2012. SALUTE stands for size, activity, location, unit, time and equipment. The SALUTE report is used to report suspicious activity to the Emergency Operations Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow)

MOPP

ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. – Senior Airman Kyle Savage, 914th Civil Engineering Squadron fire department, waits for a response over the radio on current security conditions across the base during an Operational Readiness Inspection here July 22, 2012. Keeping current on alarm conditions and Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) levels ensures all Airmen can perform their duties safely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow)

Accountability

ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. – Senior Airman Samantha Vice, 914th Logistics Readiness Squadron, organizes M-16 magazines during an Operational Readiness Inspection here July 22, 2012. The magazines are kept in order by number so that there is always accountability for ammunition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow)

Team Niagara rated current, qualified and ready to fight

Published Aug. 2, 2012
By Master Sgt. Kevin Nichols
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Members of the 914th and 107th Airlift Wings were briefed here July 31, 2012 on the results of their recently completed joint Operational Readiness Inspection conducted at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. in late July.

Representatives from Air Mobility Command's Inspector General's office returned to Niagara to stand before a packed house in the base community activities center to report their findings. Team Niagara was rated mission ready which means we are what we say we are - current, qualified and ready to fight.

Niagara Airmen see themselves as one team, one fight, and months of hard work preparing two separate wings to deploy as a single unit paid off and was recognized by the IG Team.

"The IG was impressed with how we integrated to deploy as one team," said Col. Kurt Hammer, 914th Airlift Wing Inspector General and ORI lead planner for Team Niagara. "Among the many positive comments I received was that our personnel were highly motivated and well trained and that we engineered a seamless integration."

IG team members conducted a week-long thorough review of Niagara's deployment procedures to include flying operations, base build up and sustainment, as well as defending against simulated conventional and unconventional attacks. Through it all, both Guard and Reserve held strong.

"I'm impressed on how both units worked together as a team for this ORI," said Col. Andrew Molnar, Air Mobility Command Inspector General Team Chief. "There is nothing but gold for Team Niagara. Keep doing what you're doing."

In addition to deployed wing success, several departments and dozens of individuals received special recognition for outstanding performance by the IG. Team Niagara was recognized with nine exceptional performers, 15 outstanding individuals, 10 team recognitions and 10 coin recipients.

The Airmen of Niagara, both Guard and Reserve, have created a successful association through hard work, determination and perseverance.

"We've taken a mission, made it our vision, and made it come true," said Col. Allan Swartzmiller, 914th Airlift Wing commander.

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S.A.L.U.T.E.

MOPP

Accountability