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ORI ‘home run’ clears all bases for ARC wing

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Richard Curry
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The first Air Force Air Reserve Component Associate wing made a base-clearing home run during back-to-back Operational Readiness Inspections.

Both wings comprised of the 507th Air Refueling Wing (AFRC) and 137th ARW (Oklahoma Air National Guard) went through the inspection process from June 5 to 16, undergoing Nuclear and Conventional ORI inspections.

During the IG out briefing held for the 507th ARW team, the inspectors noted that the 507th and 137th have "set the bar for all ARC associate wings." The IG team awarded both wings Excellent ratings for both their NORI and CORI performance.

ORIs are conducted to evaluate the ability of units with a wartime or contingency mission to perform assigned operational missions. A five-tier rating system (consisting of outstanding, excellent, satisfactory, marginal and unsatisfactory) is used for major graded areas (consisting of initial response, employment, mission support, and ability to survive and operate) and overall wing performance. The NORI is a performance-based readiness evaluation of nuclear-tasked units which support tasked Combatant Commanders and Joint Chief of Staff-directed OPLANs. NORIs require units to demonstrate their operational capability of nuclear and nuclear-support in a time-constrained environment.

According to Brig. Gen. Steven J. Arquiette, HQ AMC inspector general, "The 507th ARW (AFRC) operated with their associate wing, the 137th ARW, Will Rogers ANGB, Oklahoma, demonstrating the full potential of the Reserve/Guard-Associate vision.

Overall, the performance of the Total Force team was excellent. Their preparation and positive attitudes were abundantly evident."

The general continued saying, "The 507th and 137th ARWs performed this inspection as a single, seamless unit. The operational functionality and strong Total Force Integration demonstrated by 'Team Oklahoma' was impressive. Both units' pride and professionalism in their mission and their Airmen was clearly demonstrated."

The IG team praised senior staff and all levels of supervision for providing superb leadership. Members of the 507th ARW were awarded 16 IG Team awards, 11 individual awards for outstanding performance and four individuals were coined. The 137th ARW was awarded 17 IG Team awards and 20 individual awards for outstanding performance.

"For General Johns, commander of Air Mobility Command, to remark 'a phenomenally strong performance' with respect to the 507th ARW's inspection result is a testament to the outstanding men and women of the 507th ARW. The Okies along with their ANG associate partners, the 137th ARW Sooners have set the bar for which other wings and associations should strive to achieve," said Maj. Gen. Mark Kyle, 4th Air Force Commander.

According to 507th ARW Commander Col. Russell A. Muncy, "These results reflect exactly what I have known for some time, the 507th ARW is the best wing in AFRC! These results also represent what can be done when two wings come together in an association as the 507th and the 137th have done. This was definitely a joint association effort and both wings were lauded as examples of what an ARC association should look and perform like."

Col. Glen M. Baker, 137th ARW commander, praised the team effort saying, "I couldn't be more proud of the men and women of the 137th Air Refueling Wing and their outstanding level of effort preparing for these inspections. To receive such high marks for two major inspections back-to-back, one of which was our first NORI, is truly remarkable. Just as impressive is the way the 137th ARW and 507th ARW have melded into a highly effective association and embraced the 'Team Oklahoma' concept: two wings with one vision doing great things."