Commentary Exceeding standards, 552nd ACW earns Goals Day Published May 13, 2016 By Lt. Col. James Wells Director of Staff, 552nd Air Control Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A Goals Day recognizes the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the men and women of the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB during a particular month. This reward is simply a day off given by 552nd ACW Commander Col. David Gaedecke for meeting and/or exceeding five extremely high standards in the areas of Operational, Combat, Fleet, Personnel and Wingman Readiness. These areas measure the wings' capacity and capability to deploy and employ personnel, equipment and aircraft to meet any global operational task. Each unit evaluates and provides several readiness meta-data as it relates to their mission set and to the five categories. These categories measure how well this wing is able to generate, train and employ two major weapons systems -- E-3 Sentry aircraft and the ground-based mobile control and reporting center. In addition, Airmen must achieve a high standard for physical fitness and career development. If the Airmen achieve the goal for each item, the wing commander can grant the wing a Goals Day. During March, the 552nd ACW met this standard and was awarded a Goals Day. "The 552nd Air Control Wing works extremely hard, every day, to be combat ready to maintain air dominance," said Colonel Gaedecke. "We have high standards and I'm proud that in March, the wing met those standards and earned a well-deserved day of rest that we celebrated on April 27. Our Airmen's strenuous efforts definitely define our commitment to 'Excellence in All We Do.'"