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Kadena gears up for second week of inspections

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Darnell Cannady
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Pacific Air Forces inspectors wrapped up the first portion of a two-week inspection at Kadena that began Oct. 15.

The first portion of the inspection was a Consolidated Unit Inspection, where inspector general teams evaluated how the base follows Air Force instructions, checklists and operating procedures.

"This is the very first CUI conducted on the 18th Wing," explained Senior Master Sgt. Brent Sanders, 18th Wing Inspections superintendent. "CUI's are conducted to ensure the wing's and subordinate organizations are properly organized, trained, equipped and supported to achieve their required capabilities and execute their assigned missions."

The IG assesses areas mandated by law as well as mission areas that are critical or important to the health and performance of the organizations. Additionally, the Logistics Compliance and Assessment Team from Headquarters, Air Combat Command, will also inspect units this week.

At the end of this week, Kadena will transition into the readiness inspection portion where inspectors will assess the base's ability to position the force, transition from peace time readiness to a combat posture, and maintain and sustain essential home station missions. Additionally, there will also be an Article 6 legal readiness and the Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program, or ESOHCAMP.

"This is our big test, and just like any other test, a passing score will serve as validation of the hard work and dedication the 18th Wing puts in day in and day out to ensure safety and security in the region," explained Sanders.

In preparation for the inspection, Kadena Airmen have conducted several unit self-inspections and five local operational readiness exercises in the last year. Several units have also received staff assistance visits that helped identify discrepancies ahead of the inspection.

Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, encouraged Airmen and government employees to show the inspectors why Kadena is the "Keystone of the Pacific."

"Dig deep and give it all you've got...and give it with enthusiasm and a quiet sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that you are more than ready," said Brig. Gen. Matt Malloy, 18th Wing commander. "I'd wish you luck but it's not required, therefore I'll simply close with reminding you of how very proud the command chief and I are to serve alongside you."