Historic "Excellent" inspection for the 97th Air Mobility Wing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Toon
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  The 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron received the first, and only, excellent score on a Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection in Air Education and Training Command history.

The rating was awarded by the AETC LCAP inspection team from Randolph Air Force Base.

"We have 12 bases throughout AETC and we need to go and make sure that the process is being done up to standards," said Tech. Sgt. Cesar Valencia, Air Education and Training Command LCAP inspector.

"It's not so much inspecting programs and books and policy letters and all that, it's actually getting over the shoulder of these individuals from the Airman Basic all the way up to the top dogs, just to make sure they're doing what they need to be doing, and according to technical orders, Air Force instructions, or local policy."

According to the 97th LCAP report, the 97th LRS is providing excellent logistics support to the 97th AMW. Airmen across the organization were conscientious in performing their tasks and were exceptionally proud of their results. Sense of urgency and professional service was noted repeatedly. 97 LRS's facility housekeeping and cleanliness were exceptional. The deployment team was extremely impressive and demonstrated remarkable professionalism and teamwork. A total of 1178 inspections or evaluations were conducted, resulting in a 90.69 percent score.

"I thought the inspection was needed in order to make sure we are all in compliance performing our day to day jobs. I feel proud to work with all the fellow airman that contributed the effort into getting an excellent rating," said Staff Sgt. Michael Poulin, the 97th LRS fuels lab supervisor.

Inspectors found the 97th Maintenance Directorate is providing excellent maintenance support to the 97 AMW. The leadership's proactive, hands-on approach to aircraft maintenance was exceptional. The technicians showed a tremendous willingness and pride to show off their work. Pride was evident in each work center visited by the LCAP team. It was evident that safety took precedence in the organization and the unit's utilization of voluntary protection program showcased that. The team was professional and took feedback extremely well. Numerous identified discrepancies were corrected on the spot. A total of 1571 inspections or evaluations were conducted resulting in a 92.76 percent score.

"Other than a good self-inspection in May and some fine tuning, we really only prepared hard the weekend before. We believe if you are a good organization, and we are, that you should be inspection ready all the time. I think all the A-Team as well as other organizations that use the flight line contributed to the 'Excellent' LCAP rating. That speaks well for the team work of the whole base," said Mr. James Kelly, director of maintenance.


According to the LCAP inspectors, the 97th Aircraft Maintenance Division displayed enthusiasm and had keen attention to detail. The importance of training was evident throughout the organization. Technicians exhibited technical knowledge, skill, professionalism and pride in their job and mission. Leadership involvement in preparedness was evident and indicative of a culture beyond this inspection. Work areas were exceptionally maintained. Aircraft were maintained at a commendably high standard. A total of 481 inspections or evaluations were conducted resulting in a 95.26 percent rating.

"The LCAP was a team builder for the A-TEAM. All employees showed their maintenance disciplines to include safety and taking care of the environment. I've never been prouder of any organization that I've been a part of "said Rick Snelling, Aircraft Division chief.

The 97th Maintenance Division displayed enthusiasm and drive to correct deficiencies on the spot. The importance of safety throughout the organization was admirable. Technicians exhibited technical knowledge, skill and professionalism that was commendable. Inspectors observed the facility and equipment conditions were exceptional and well maintained. A total of 586 inspections or evaluations were conducted resulting in a 95.9 percent score.

"We performed the required Command Self Inspection Checklists and worked 12 hour weekend days to completely overhaul our AFI 21-101-required locally developed self inspection checklists that identified many deficiencies before the actual inspection. I was privileged to attend the Wing Commander's out-brief given by the LCAP Team. I was absolutely shocked when the results were read out. I have never been associated with an "Outstanding" rating for an aircraft maintenance evaluation in my 32 plus years of maintaining aircraft. Feels great!" said Mr. Ray Brzozowski, executive officer, 97th AMW Maintenance Directorate.

The Maintenance Operations Division was professional and knowledgeable in their assigned duties. Analysis section produced excellent products, such as the monthly maintenance digest that showed maintenance performance indicators for the health of the fleet over the past year. The planning scheduling and documentation section maintained detailed and meticulous control of their products and standardization was evident across the organization. Maintenance Training personnel were professional, proficient in their duties and their products covered all Air Force Instruction requirements. A total of 246 inspections and evaluations were conducted, resulting in a 91.46 percent rating.

The 97th Quality Assurance Division demonstrated expert knowledge in the measurement of the programs and evaluator inspection oversight. Among the outstanding programs, product improvement manager program was error free and maintained a strong follow-up to all ongoing issues. Additionally, the Quality Support Plan could benefit from revision with regards to emphasis on the minor discrepancy acceptable quality levels in inspections area. A total of 257 inspections or evaluations were conducted resulting in a 86.77 percent rating.

"The inspectors spent very little time getting right to the heart of the matter: are we in compliance. It was a no nonsense look at the how's and whys of what we do. The inspection team was very friendly when the actual look was occurring," said Mr. Brzozowski.

"I think this shows the accomplishments and potential of the Mighty 97th Air Mobility Wing, LRS, and Maintenance Directorate. The inspectors looked over our shoulders and watched our processes and that's not something you can do only one day a year. It's the way you do business every day. The year-round hard work and attention to detail our Airmen apply has been recognized at the highest levels and I am extremely proud to serve with them," said Capt. Rick Parent, director of operations, 97th LRS.

"'With senior non-commissioned officers thinly spread, junior airmen throughout the LRS have shown significant professionalism and knowledge in carrying out the duties expected of more seasoned airmen' - I think that's indicative of the entire inspection and particularly front line supervision. I'm immensely proud of the entire unit and especially the junior airmen," said Maj. Kieran Keelty, commander of the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron.