ACC IG inspects, evaluates Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emily A. Kenney
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Air Combat Command's Inspector General team completed the first Unit Effectiveness Inspection, as part of the new commander's inspection program here August 24-28.

Holloman was the first ACC base to be evaluated after the program, which began two years ago.

"The way the commander's inspection program is designed is that we inspect the wing continuously," said Wayne Paddock, the 49th Wing director of inspections. "Based on the inspections we do, ACC IG takes that entire 2-year period and looks at how well we're doing as a wing. Then, they come down and do a validation, otherwise known as a capstone."

During the inspection, all units that fell under the 49th Wing were evaluated to see if they were in compliance with the standards set by the IG.

"For wings like ours, that are primarily training wings, we don't do Operational Readiness Inspections anymore," said Paddock. "So the primary inspection for the (Major Command) and for headquarters Air Force to use for us is a Unit Effectiveness Inspection. Under the Air Force Inspection System, UEIs are set up on a 2-year cycle. There will be two visits by ACC IG during those two years. The first will be a mid-term, where they look at the progress we've made over the 2-year cycle. Then at the end of the two years, they come down for the capstone."

Though Holloman's IG office does inspections frequently, each unit is responsible for ensuring they are always compliant.

"Part of the basis of the new inspection program is that each unit is responsible for inspecting itself," said Paddock. "Every squadron and every group is responsible for looking at their own programs, and identifying areas where they are not in compliance and then working a corrective action plan for how to get those programs into compliance, or if it's not possible for them to do it."

Although the official report has not been released, Paddock believes Holloman did great overall.

This is seen in the number of people recognized for their great efforts--One of which was Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sparks, the 49th Medical Group Public Health flight chief.

"As the Public Health flight chief I helped the base prepare for a quick-action Ebola response," said Sparks. "We also conducted food vulnerability assessments and identified threats to food safety. Part of my job was to lead 25 vital wing programs in absence of our flight commander."

Sparks was one of the outstanding Airmen who made the inspection so successful.

"I think we did quite well, based on the feedback I received from the team," said Paddock. "Everyone was very friendly and cooperative when the ACC IG team members visited their units. Everyone did their part and hopefully when the report comes out, it will reflect the great job the folks here in the 49th Wing are doing."