55th Wing rises to meet inspection challenges

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Wing was awarded an overall grade of "Excellent" following their first ever Consolidated Unit Inspection Sept. 20.

"I couldn't be more proud of this team," said Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander.

The CUI was just one of eleven inspections for units from across the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth during the month of September.

"These were absolutely tough inspections but our Airmen's unflagging professionalism and steady perseverance proved to the inspectors this was not a 'show' for their benefit," said Lt. Col. Nikki Nader, 55th Wing Exercises and Inspections chief. "It's simply the way we do business every day, all over the world."

The professionalism of the 55th Wing's Airmen was demonstrated by the Air Combat Command's Inspector General team recognizing 106 superior performers, 15 superior performer teams and awarding 13 individuals with ACC IG coins.

The 55th Wing even had two members earn the coveted ACC Inspector General's coin. Tech. Sgt. Brian Flannigan, 55th Security Forces Squadron, and Senior Airman Zorisha Barnes, 55th Force Support Squadron, were both called out in front of the wing to receive this recognition.

"During this inspection we noticed a tremendous sense of pride and focus to achieve mission success," said Col. Rickey Rodgers, ACC IG team chief.

To prepare for these inspections every unit participated in two CUI preparatory exercises over the summer and four dedicated weeks of practice and training on the new Air Force Inspection System.

"Our wing was absolutely prepared for this inspection," Nader said.

"For us to get [excellent] shows that the IG team came and saw in the Airmen something that stood out above and beyond what they see all across ACC," Guillot said.

In addition to the CUI, the Fightin' Fifty Fifth also earned an "Outstanding" during their Command Cyber Readiness Inspection as well as an "Excellent" for their Logistics Compliance Assessment Programs Inspection.

"It shows a lot about the confidence and excellence we have here in this wing," Guillot said.