Total Force team excels at inspection

by Staff Sgt. Katherine Holt and Tech. Sgt. Ted Daigle
2nd and 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

11/7/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The 2nd and 307th Bomb Wings demonstrated excellence and the ability to carry out the mission during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection Oct. 28- Nov. 5, announced Col. Bernard Dodson, Air Force Global Strike Command Deputy Inspector General, during the IG team's outbrief at Hoban Hall Nov. 6.

The wings' overall nuclear operational readiness inspection's four graded areas included force generation, employment, reconstitution and surety.

The Total force team effectively demonstrated the deployment and generation of sorties during the inspection, noted Dodson.

More than 400 Airmen applauded then erupted in cheers as the results were announced.

"Congratulations on an outstanding inspection," said Dodson. "The message you just sent is that the Air Force nuclear enterprise is alive and well."

NORIs are extremely detailed and demand the absolute highest standards of compliance and accountability. NORIs constantly test, assess, evaluate, compare and hone processes, procedures, and readiness. By design, it evaluates safe, secure, and effective unit nuclear mission capability.

"NORIs are awesome because we have the ability to prove how well the 2nd and 307th work together," said Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd BW commander. "You guys hit it out of the park, absolutely outstanding results."

The performance reflected months of hard work and preparation by Airmen at all ranks and units, officials said.

"This capstone event marks the completion of our initial efforts to build a nuclear deterrence capability within the Reserve Command," said Col. Jonathan Ellis, 307th BW commander. "The partnership between the 2d Bomb Wing and the 307th Bomb Wing has proven to be extremely successful, and I am proud of and humbled by the efforts of every Barksdale Airmen, whether Active Duty or Reserve. The results of this inspection are proof to all what we have known from the beginning...the men and women of the 307th and 2nd Bomb Wings are outstanding."

Gebara expressed the importance of the results and the impact on the nuclear enterprise.

"This report is amazing results," said Gebara. "What you have done has made all the difference in the world to our nuclear enterprise."

Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander, said the inspection just verified what he already knew.

"You are all in rarified air," he said. "This is a wonderful thing. It validates what we already knew: the 2nd and 307th BW are doing it right. I am privileged and proud to be a part of this team again."