Evaluation complete

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Erin Zabarnick
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, ENGLAND --  To meet NATO readiness requirements, the 48th Fighter Wing had to pass a two phase operational readiness inspection process, which evaluated the base's abilities to fulfill a mission.

Phase I of the ORI evaluated the 48th Fighters Wing's ability to prepare for deployment, to deploy aircraft, personnel and equipment on little to short notice to a previously unannounced location. Phase II known as the NATO tactical or force evaluation observed the wing's ability to put these things into practice, acting as if they were at the deployed location.

"The NATO FORCEVAL is based on combat results. Our ability to generate and employ air power under a simulated combat environment - to include Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) conditions - is what was under evaluation," said Lt. Col. Thomas McGrath, 48th Fighter Wing Inspector General.

Everything was evaluated through a microscope from the individual Airman's ability to wear individual protective equipment, to taking care of each other, or reporting information up the chain. The Airmen's conduct in regards to their duties and the entire wing's ability to exercise appropriate command and control under conditions of extreme stress was looked at closely as well.

At the end of the two phases, a report was written that covers what the investigation team observed, how the base did in accordance with NATO commitments and any potential recommendations to improve their processes.

The 48th FW simulated being deployed to a NATO operating base, Saxon Air Base, in a fictional nation called Anglia. They simulated the deployment of 12 F-15s along with approximately 600 people and associated supplies and equipment. They were given air tasking orders daily, detailing missions and rules of engagement for offensive and defensive air operations.

Colonel McGrath said, "The reason for the NATO FORCEVAL is to measure our wing's ability to perform a realistic wartime mission reflective of what the U.S. has promised our allies we can accomplish and sustain. NATO has taken this opportunity to evaluate just how well we can meet those declared capabilities."

The wing was graded in three major categories: operations, logistics and force protection. Individual sub-area grades will be announced along with an overall grade. The possible grades are excellent, satisfactory, marginal and unsatisfactory. Resource grades are only satisfactory, marginal or unsatisfactory.

The evaluation ended on the evening of Nov. 3 after it was decided the investigation team had sufficient information.

The 48th Fighter Wing Commander was very pleased with the wing's performance during the evaluation.

"I am incredibly proud of your accomplishments over the last two weeks," said Col. John Quintas, 48th Fighter Wing commander "After a very demanding practice schedule, you truly rose to the occasion and put in your best performance while under the scrutiny of our USAFE and NATO inspectors. The attitudes were inspiring! The effort was unmatched! The performance was beyond excellent!"

The results of the NATO tactical evaluation will be briefed Nov. 5 at 9:30 a.m. in the Strike Eagle Complex main auditorium and the Phase I ORI results will be briefed at 10:30 a.m. in Hangar 6.

Immediately following the out brief there will be a wing picnic for Liberty Airmen and their families, which will include music, bouncy castles and plenty of food.