Holloman's 'All In' attitude earns 'excellent' ORI grade

Published May 5, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Sanjay Allen
49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The dust from the operational readiness inspection has settled and the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., received an "excellent" grade on their ability to quickly transition from peacetime readiness to a wartime posture and ability to rapidly deploy forces for major combat operations.

On April 26 and 27, Holloman Airmen demonstrated to the Air Combat Command Inspector General team their capability to rapidly deploy nine F-22 Raptors, 400 personnel and 226 short-tons of cargo to the Pacific and Central Command theaters of operation, while at the same time, local threat intelligence increased the wing's force protection conditions.

Before the ORI took place, Col. David Krumm, 49th WG commander, initiated multiple exercises to prepare the wing for the tall task ahead of them.

The 49th WG had not been inspected since 2004 and, as the Inspector General informed the base commander, 95 percent of the wings who haven't been inspected over a long period of time fail the inspection.

Colonel Krumm told the IG, "You're looking at the other five percent."

And throughout the inspection, Holloman proved to the team, with their 'All In' state of mind, they were indeed among the top five percent.

The IG Team chief, Col. R.C. Craig, pointed out Holloman's attitude and performance drove the wing over the top.

"During this ORI, we saw the Fightin' 49ers' tremendous pride and professionalism that was devoted to rapid generation and deployment of combat air power," he said. "These characteristics impacted positively on our assessment of your wing's readiness."

"I can't express in words how proud I am of each of you," Colonel Krumm said. "I am honored and humbled to be counted as one of you. You truly are 'One Team -- Combat Ready.'"