Jungle Air Force scores excellent rating Published April 16, 2008 By Capt. Genieve David 13th Air Force Public Affairs HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Thirteenth Air Force earned an overall excellent rating during the Air Force's first component numbered air force (C-NAF) operational readiness inspection, March 25 to April 4 here. During the inspection, 13th Air Force Airmen, alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, were tested on their ability to plan, command and control, assess and execute joint force contingency operations across the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. Areas evaluated included initial response, joint air and space operations, service component responsibilities and ability to survive and operate. "No one has stepped up to inspections like 13th Air Force has," said Col. Donald Weckhorst, Pacific Air Forces inspector general. "You ought to be proud of what you've accomplished. You have set the standard for the C-NAFs." The inspection provided an independent assessment of 13th Air Force's ability to prepare for and conduct combat operations. Additionally, a joint team of evaluators from USPACOM validated the C-NAF's ability to form and operate as the theaters Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC). Thirteenth Air Force garnered three outstanding ratings within the joint air and space operations and service component responsibility inspection areas. "I am very proud of the results," said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, 13th Air Force commander. "Thirteenth Air Force and JFACC team produced the joint warfighting results our combatant commander expects. Our jungle warriors stepped up to the plate and did things like no one else in the Air Force."