Westover chalks up overall excellent

by Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe
439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/13/2013 - WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- A loud cheer echoed through the room - spurred on by Command Chief Michael Thorpe turning around in his seat, standing up and gesturing to the men and women of the 439th Airlift Wing.

The Patriot Wing earned an excellent rating base-wide. Those and many other accolades reverberated through the Westover Conference Center Aug. 12 as the Consolidated Unit Inspection team provided its outbrief to more than 100 people packed inside the center.

"There were more strengths in this wing than we normally see," said Brig. Gen. John Mooney, Air Force Reserve Command Inspector General.

The CUI's listing of dozens of Westover superior performers was so long that the team directed Patriot Wing senior leadership to recognize them during September's Family Day.

"This is the longest list of superior performers we've ever seen," Brig. Gen. Mooney said.

The CUI team arrived at Westover Aug. 8. The team began its inspections throughout the base Aug. 9 and through the August A UTA. They were responsible for reviewing how the 439th conducts its day-to-day operations - from its offices to the flight line, to the base gates - virtually everything on the base proper.

The general's effusive praise also took note of the most unusual obstacle perhaps ever faced by a Westover wing -- five furlough days in July that stood between the wing's final preparation and the CUI's arrival.

"This is a wonderful wing doing a wonderful job for our country," he said. "Your reputation preceded you....you don't see this every day. You guys rock."