18th Wing prepares to awe inspectors during no-notice ORI

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Shogun Warriors of the 18th Wing began preparing to showcase their ability to position the force following the Pacific Air Force Inspector General's notification of a no-notice Operational Readiness Inspection Aug. 15.

"Our main graded area will remain positioning the force, and may include employing and sustaining the force," said Capt. Richard Ward, 18th Wing Plans chief of exercises. "We will continue to focus on generating aircraft and deploying personnel down range."

Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, and Ward spoke to Kadena Airmen during pre-ORI briefings Aug. 16.

"It is air power delivered through Airman power that will win this 'war,'" Molloy said. "Make no mistake, these inspectors are going to come with an attitude, and we're going to respond to their attitude with a greater attitude - an attitude of unbridled determination and success, because everything revolves around that attitude. And it's not just what will get us through this, it is [also that] you are going to deliver to them the most remarkable force that they have ever seen."

"When you see the inspectors, I expect one thing from you," the general said. "Don't run, don't hide, because that is not what we're about. Identify them, greet them, pull them over to your task ... that's what I expect from you. If they ask a question, answer it. If you're not sure, go find a wingman, that's what they're looking for. If you don't know the answer, maybe it's in your Airman's Manual. That's what they want to see, that you can find the answer. Don't tap dance."

Molloy also reminded Airmen to prepare and police their work stations, maintain conspicuous compliance, pack their mobility bags correctly, be on time and make smart decisions.

Recent local operational readiness exercises have also helped Kadena Airmen stay fresh in their skills for real-world scenarios and inspections like this.

"I am so confident that we are going to do absolutely great," Molloy said. "You are the best there is, for you are a part of the 18th Wing. You are the very, very tip of the spear, and this inspection was directed by Gen. [Gary]North, the PACAF commander, so that he can go ... to the Pacific Command commander ... and say, 'Your base, which is at the closest point of approach to so many threats, is so very ready, so have great confidence and sleep well tonight.' That's because of you."

As the "Keystone of the Pacific," Kadena Air Base delivers a full range of capabilities to fulfill its commitments to defend Japan as required under the Japan-U.S security alliance - air superiority, aerial refueling, airborne command and control, combat search and rescue and aeromedical evacuation, in addition to a full range of combat support services. The wing operates the F-15C Eagle fighter, the KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling aircraft, the E-3 Sentry airborne command and control aircraft and the HH-60 Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopter.