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Team Hickam celebrates success

  • Published
  • By Maj. Alysia Harvey
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Airmen from the 15th Wing, 154th Wing, and 647th Air Base Group gathered Feb. 17 on the lawn in front of the Sea Breeze restaurant to celebrate successfully completing several inspections Feb. 4-10.

More than 180 major command evaluators selected from across the Air Force, under the direction of the Pacific Air Forces Inspector General, conducted five major inspections: a Consolidated Unit Inspection, Logistics Compliance Assessment Program, Standardization and Evaluation Program for Weather Operations, Airfield Operations Compliance Inspection, and Aircrew Standardization/Evaluation Visit.

"This has been a very dynamic and interesting year, and we have had our fair share of opportunities and challenges, but I could not be more pleased with the inspection results - this was an absolute homerun," said Col. Sam Barrett, 15th Wing commander. "As you all likely know by now, the 15th Wing and 154th WG earned ratings of satisfactory, but that doesn't begin to describe the excellence that we represent as a whole."

Col. Dann Carlson, 647 ABG commander, then took the stage and shared the results of his group's inspections.

"Our Logistics Readiness Squadron scored excellent on their LCAP inspection, and the 647th Security Forces, Force Support, and Civil Engineer Squadrons also scored 'excellent' in the CUI," he said. The Communications Squadron scored an overall 'outstanding'. This is quite an accomplishment, and I could not be more proud standing here in front of this group."

He went on to say that in addition to celebrating that success, he and the Team Hickam leadership had called the group together to recognize a few Airmen who were identified as top and outstanding performers by the inspectors.

Approximately 50 personnel were presented with coins from the 15 WG and 647 ABG commanders and were cheered on by their unit personnel as they stepped forward under the palm trees and Hawaii sun to the makeshift stage.

"It was really great to be recognized in this way," said Tech. Sgt. Quintell Lewis, 15 WG command post. "I have been very fortunate to have awesome mentors along the way, and I know it was their guidance that helped me achieve this honor."

Additionally, approximately 20 teams were recognized for their performance.

An Information Assurance Assessment and Assistance Program Inspection was conducted during the same time, but concluded Feb. 17. According to Carlson, the final results are still to be determined, but leadership is expecting a positive outcome based on the initial outbrief.

Taking note of the Airmen's skyward eyes, Barrett encouraged the formations to take a moment to watch the "airshow" - F-22 Raptors taking off on the runway in the distance - and then invited commanders to allow their personnel to "pau hana" before giving his parting remarks and recognizing one other person.

"I want to take a moment to recognize Col. [Robert] Dague [15 WG vice commander] - the best 'CV' in the Air Force," he said inviting the crowd to give him a round of applause. "Thank you for your leadership, and to all of you, please know that we are so proud of you all and consider it a privilege to be your leadership team here."