Teamwork is key component in ATSEP inspection

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri K. Larson
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  (Editor's note: This is the first part of a three-part series on the successful Air Traffic System Evaluation Program inspection.) 

The 48th Operations Support Squadron was recently inspected by an Air Traffic System Evaluation Program team and boasted a successful outcome. 

It was a concentrated team effort with not only 48th OSS personnel, but individuals from the 48th Communications Squadron and the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron. 

"This was a big picture inspection that took a look at base operations, tower control and radar approach control , and weather," said 1st Lt. Bryan Garton, 48th OSS weather flight commander. He said the team inspected more than 65 checklists, cooperation with the control tower and training. 

Because of England's ever-changing climate, the Airmen in the weather flight have to stay on their toes to ensure the aircraft of the 48th Fighter Wing land safely. 

"(The inspectors) threw all kinds of crazy situations at us," said Senior Airman Hannah Parker, 48th OSS weather forecaster. "It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but we are responsible for letting pilots know the kind of weather they're flying in to." 

She explained the most difficult part of the inspection was showing their proficiency in both manual forecasts and automated. 

"Converting from manual to automated observing has been a huge change," said Master Sgt. Gregory Bianchi, 48th OSS weather flight NCOIC. He said a lot of training was required for the change-over, and it was all open for inspection. 

The inspection team graded half on compliance to mandatory documents and half on performance. 

"This was a big accomplishment," Lieutenant Garton said. "Everyone really came in and pulled it all together. It was definitely a collective team effort." 

He said the weather flight has had a few leadership changes lately and, with deployments, they've been a little short-manned. 

"We had to reorganize things to get them where they needed to be," Sergeant Bianchi said. "This is the most dedicated team of professionals that I've worked with in all my 17 years."