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Airfield tops charts during two inspections

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  They aced it. The 72nd Operations Support Squadron recently completed two inspections and scored above 95 percent on both.

Conducted every two years, the inspections include the "Air Traffic Standard Evaluation Program" and the "Standardization Evaluation Program for Weather Operations." The inspections were executed Nov. 17 through 20.

"We were cited by the team chief as the best in [Air Force Materiel Command] for the last three years," said Lt. Col. Jay Stull, 72nd OSS commander. "This inspection validates the job we do day-in and day-out. It takes a total team effort as the 72nd Civil Engineering Group also played a key role in the success of the ATSEP inspection."

Inspections were comprised of two parts - a compliance-oriented checklist and a system or performance component. The inspections were conducted by officials from AFMC Headquarters and the Air Force Flight Standards Agency.

The ATSEP evaluated the squadron's airfield operations management, airfield management, air traffic control tower operations, air traffic control training, air traffic control and landing systems, and the 72nd CEG.

The SEPWO examined the 72nd OSS's weather operations, support to flying units and base personnel.

"The purpose of the inspections is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the air traffic system, and to make sure we're providing a safe environment for the aircraft to fly in and out of Tinker," Colonel Stull said. "It is [to make sure] we're efficiently using the air space and the resources."

Colonel Stull said the squadron received approximately a 96.5 percent for the ATSEP and a 95.9 percent on the SEPWO.

In addition, the following personnel were named outstanding performers: William "Dave" Melton, Marc Bradley, Bill Welch, Tracey Hogan, Paul Cunningham, Tech. Sgt. Barbara Marting and Adam Walko.

"I'm not at all surprised that the 72nd OSS 'smoked' their recent higher headquarters inspections," said Navy Cmdr. Erik "EJ" Johnson, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE Commanding Officer. "The 72nd OSS provides impeccable service around the clock, enabling the 'Take Charge and Move Out' [community] to fulfill our strategic mission. We greatly appreciate the 72nd OSS flexing to meet our unique additional Navy requirements and providing a safe and efficient flight environment."

Colonel Stull said the unit lost points for minor discrepancies. No points were lost for major items. Overall, the unit performed exceptionally well for both inspections.

"We're doing awesome," the colonel said. "We play a key role in the operations mission here at Tinker behind the scenes. We work 24/7/365, to provide the best flying support to the customers."