LRS, MXG validate their hard work

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 35th Maintenance Group celebrated passing scores released earlier today following a week of Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspections that took place here April 22 to 26.

During the inspection process, the Logistics Compliance Assessment Team, consisting of 25 members from Pacific Air Forces and various stateside locations, ensured the squadrons were following proper procedures while maintaining Air Force standards as they closely examined how they get the mission done.

"They come in and they dig, it's their job to make sure we're doing our mission according to the standards the Air Force has given us," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Conner, 35 MXG quality assurance inspector. "I think it's a great way for us to show them how we perform our mission and highlight our qualities."

The LCAT checked on programs from each squadron including safety, training, and quality assurance. Preparation in these programs is important for high quality results and knowing all the material by heart can be a tough aspect of the inspection. Conner admitted he was a little nervous heading into the inspection, but was just as anxious to show off the quality maintainers in the squadrons.

"The worst part about preparing for the inspection is not knowing how the inspectors are going to grade our QA specific personnel evaluations," said Conner. "There is a lot of room for interpretation but we trust in the rater's previous experience to evaluate us fairly."

Regardless of what is expected from an evaluator, training is essential to keep the mission flowing and to highlight outstanding performances during the inspection.

"We did a lot of training leading up to the LCAP," said Master Sgt. Kerri Cairel, 35 LRS chief of cargo movement. "We wanted to ensure everyone knew what they were supposed to do when the time came. When they feel confident doing so, inspections are no problem."

Even though the inspection kept everyone on their toes as evaluators implemented an "over the shoulder" approach, many Airmen knew the LCAP was an inspection of what they do every day.

"Our goal is always 100 percent compliance and zero discrepancies," said Airman 1st Class Stefan Isaza, 35th Maintenance Squadron egress journeyman. "The LCAP shouldn't make things any different. It's still business as usual."

The inspection results reflected positively on all squadrons after two years of preparation as the 35 MXG received a rating of satisfactory and 35 LRS received an excellent.

"Overall I am exceptionally impressed by the performance by my logisticians," said Maj. Paul Miller, 35 LRS commander. "This score represents a significant accomplishment and validates all the hard work they've been doing these past two years."

With the results in and the inspection passed, all the squadrons can rest a while and continue doing what they do best without the pressure of an evaluation.

"Everyone in the group put in a lot of extra hours and multiple weekends prior to this inspection," said Conner. "That is how important it was to everyone. We wanted to show this inspection team the amazing job we do here."

Congratulations to the LCAP outstanding performers.

35th Maintenance Group
Individual(s):
Tech. Sgt. Lyle Janey

35th Aircraft Maintenance
Team:
Load Crew 29

Individual(s):
Staff Sgt. Ben Simard
Staff Sgt. Chris Cain
35th Maintenance Squadron

Individual(s):
Airman 1st Class Luis Velasquez
Senior Airman Brooke Williams
Senior Airman Christopher Brimage
Senior Airman John Weaver
Senior Airman Robert Robinson
Senior Airman Timothy Schwenning
Staff Sgt. Joseph Biggs
Staff Sgt. Patrick Sellers
Tech. Sgt. Elijah Moore

35th Maintenance Operations Squadron
Team:
Engine Management

Individual(s):
Staff Sgt. Alpheus Escudero
Tech. Sgt. Eberhard Riebe
Tech. Sgt. Jason McQuarrie
Tech. Sgt. Yoko Liburd

35th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Team:
Personal Property

Individual(s):
Airman 1st Class BJ Andrew De Guzman
Airman 1st Class David Simmington
Airman 1st Class Lisa Niel 
Senior Airman Brandon Pryor
Senior Airman Jonathan Brown
Tech. Sgt. James Anderson
Tomoko Shibata