FORBES FIELD ANGB, Topeka, Kan. -- As the wing prepares for a series of inspections this summer and fall, the 190th Air Refueling Wing's operations and plans teams switched into overdrive to respond to a No-Notice Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection June 22-24.
The teams received word of the inspection the day before.
"No real preparation was necessary," said Chief of Wing Plans Lt. Col. Scott McGregor. "We're doing a great job with keeping our training up to speed. And we have an inspection team reception plan ready to go on no notice. It's what we do all the time."
The NORI typically looks at the wing's operational effectiveness and quick response to support air fueling of various aircraft in support of U.S. Strategic Command. However, for this inspection, areas were limited to the Command Post, Operations, and Intelligence. The inspection was conducted in conjunction with STRATCOM's exercise - Global Thunder. The exercise is STRATCOM's major nuclear exercise that also includes command post activities, as well as force generation and flying operations.
The 190th was the first Air National Guard unit to undergo a No-Notice ORI and was being used as a test bed for other Guard units, McGregor said.
"We still have a planned NORI in 2014, but the No-Notice keeps everyone sharp - to eliminate the gap between ORIs," he said.
No such gap for this group, however. The teams are planning for another Global Thunder Exercise in the coming months.
"KC-135 units do not have a single mission set," he continued. "We have a conventional and nuclear mission, so we have several different tasks out there, which can make the No-Notice NORI construct a real challenge."
"But, we'll be ready. As soon as the compliance inspection is over, we'll then immediately look to the work of the next Global Thunder," he continued.
Colonel Keith Lang, 190th Air Refueling Wing commander, is pleased with the performance of the No-Notice NORI team.
"The inspection team was impressed with the calm professionalism and readiness exhibited by 190th personnel," he said. "We succeeded because of the continual effort of 190th personnel. My sincere thanks to all who participated."
The 190th received a final rating of "Satisfactory" with no deficiencies. The NORI inspectors recognized Tech. Sgt. Cale Yost, 190th Operations Group, with a coin for his outstanding performance. Team recognition included the Command Post and Wing Plans teams.