Ellsworth Airmen prove deployment ready

  • Published
  • By Airman Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D --  The sun hadn't even began to shine through the windows of the Pride Hangar, March 16, when Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, stood on top of the bleachers and told Airmen their hard work and dedication had warranted an early end to the Operational Readiness Exercises and even more impressive, cancellation of the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection.

"You are ready," said Weatherington. "Throughout these exercises, and the last decade, you have proven your ability to deploy combat power for this nation, wherever and whenever needed."

Weatherington said Ellsworth Airmen have displayed marked improvements throughout the last few OREs. However, there are always new heights to achieve.

"We aren't perfect," he said. "We have some areas we need to continue to refine and improve, and we have made some great strides in our last several OREs."

ORIs measure a wing's ability to deploy on a moment's notice, quickly support combat missions down range and handle an increased operational tempo with an utmost regard to safety. Weatherington said the base has proven itself by deploying to five different forward operating locations in three different areas of responsibility since 1999.

Additionally, the men and women made history in 2011 when they prepared and launched B-1s in less than 42 hours after the initial call, through inclement weather, to strike Libya during Operation Odyssey Dawn. It was the first time B-1Bs had ever taken off from the continental United States and struck targets overseas before returning home.

"As I look at these accomplishments and the pace we have been running, I am confident the 28th BW can meet and exceed expectations of Air Combat Command and combatant commanders for deployment processes, aircraft generation and regeneration," he said.

Upon recommendation of 12th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, the commander of ACC Gen. Mike Hostage directed the 28th Bomb Wing to cancel the upcoming ORI slated for April 2012. This action saved American taxpayers $250,000.

Senior Airman, David Carter, 28th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman, who attended the announcement said he wasn't expecting this announcement from the commander.

"This is the most beautiful news I've heard this week," Carter said. "I think we did alright. We had projected times that things needed to be done, and we were getting things done a lot quicker - a day quicker for the most part. To me, that says something in itself. Everyone was on top of their game."

Weatherington said the accomplishments of Airmen across the wing were no small feat.

"You can be proud of the difference you have made," Weatherington said.