IG rates 439th with satisfactory ORI Published July 8, 2011 By Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe 439th AW Public Affairs WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE -- An effort of mammoth proportions, equal to an actual overseas deployment, culminated in June with the safe and successful completion of the flagship of all Air Force inspections. The Operational Readiness Inspection, held June 19-26, brought more than 400 Patriot Wing members to a simulated base in Japan that also hosted 300 more men and women deployed from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, Scotia, N.Y., and the reserve's 944th Fighter Wing, Luke, Air Force Base, Ariz. Col. Steven Legrand, Air Mobility Command Inspector General team chief, announced June 29 that the 439th earned a satisfactory rating. "In this day and age, showing up and getting a Sat just doesn't happen," Colonel Legrand said during the ORI outbrief held at the Westover Conference Center. "You have to fight for it. I told you your enthusiasm and sense of urgency was important, and you showed that in spades." Col. Robert Swain Jr., 439th Airlift Wing commander, also reassured the men and women staring at a large screen showing the satisfactory rating. "As the inspector said, there was nothing below the line," Colonel Swain said. "That's huge." The combined wing - similar to Air Force units overseas -- was the 114th Air Expeditionary Wing, operating from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich. The combined team back at home station that got the reservists in place quickly and safely also deserve credit, Colonel Swain said. "It's all a team effort," he said. "PMI our base contractor, MSG, OPS, MXG .... It's not one of those, it's all of us." Westover Airmen who deployed to Alpena spanned the gamut of ranks and experience. There was Airman Colby Tyler, 439th Security Forces Squadron, who was on his first ORI. And there was Col. William Kountz, who was on his last ORI with the 439th, before he headed to his new assignment at Robins AFB, Ga. Colonel Kountz was the 439th Maintenance Group commander since 2009. There were Airmen also called upon with little notice to help fill shortfalls. Senior Airman Levi Carter, who works in the wing command section, was the facility manager for the deployed headquarters building - a position normally assigned to a mid-level or senior noncommissioned officer. Fine-tuned during the March Operational Readiness Exercise, Airman Carter supervised a facility defense team which earned superior performer awards announced at the June 29 outbrief. "Those guys made my job easier," Airman Carter said. "They always had a positive attitude and communicated well throughout the ORI. So much of what was expected of us from the inspectors; I saw every day. It felt good to be part of such a motivated and hard-working group of Airmen." Colonel Legrand reminded the audience of his - and his team's -- respect for the effort put forth following years of training and preparation. "I would have no problem going to war with Westover," he said.