Inspections find Misawa successful

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Air Traffic System Evaluation Program, or ATSEP, and the Air Force Weather Standardization and Evaluation Program, or AFWSEP, inspections wrapped up Nov. 3 with an outbrief at 8:30 a.m. in the 35th Fighter Wing conference room.

"This is my 12th ATSEP and Misawa has performed far beyond any other base that we've inspected," said Lt. Col Brian Creasy, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces lead inspector for ATSEP.

Both inspections, which began Oct. 25, are Air Force-wide evaluations of the air traffic system and weather to meet standards and operational requirements.

"Capt. Jacqueline Grant (35th Operations Support airfield operations flight commander) is extremely knowledgeable and immersed in all facets of airfield operations," said Colonel Creasy. "I'm surprised by how far this program has come in the last six months since we did the staff-assisted visits in March her superb leadership was evident all the way down."

The terminal instrument procedures provides excellent support to the 35th Fighter Wing flying community. Their relationship with civil engineering and the Japan Air Self Defense Force air traffic control is exceptional and enhances the TERPS program, said Colonel Creasy.

Airfield management received a "best seen to date."; the air traffic control and landing system received "best maintenance seen to date," and the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron civil engineering section which is responsible for the temporary construction waiver program received another "best seen to date."

Finally, the AFWSEP inspection determined that weather is prepared to support the mission of the 35th Fighter Wing.

"The Mission Execution Forecast Process is the 'bread and butter' of what a Combat Weather Team produces for the units they support," said Maj. Robert Domiguez, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces lead inspector for weather. "And in fact, the Misawa CWT's MEFP is the best I have seen to date. They were faced with a significant manning challenge and still managed to do an outstanding job preparing for the inspection and supporting their units and the base."

Col. Joel Malone, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander thanked the team for coming to Misawa and doing the inspections.

"As Misawa prepares for winter, it's good to know that we have strong programs here to support our flying mission, which can be difficult during the winter," said Colonel Malone. "I have a great appreciation for the people who work these programs. So many people throughout the wing have to step up due to deployments to get the job done and they continue to hit home runs. I'm continually amazed by the people here and it makes me proud to be here."