Fairchild's Airmen ace bi-annual inspection

Published June 21, 2012
By Master Sgt. Jennifer Buzanowski
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild passed a bi-annual inspection with flying colors this month on its new flightline, just 7 months after the base's runway reopening following almost a year of reconstruction.

Air Mobility Command inspectors from Scott AFB, Ill., gave Fairchild overwhelming positive feedback about the safety and functionality of the flightline. The Airfield Operations Certification Inspection found Fairchild's flightline had an overall 97 percent compliance rate on hundreds of required items - a 5 percent increase since the previous inspection in 2010, said Capt. Travis Kolden, 92nd Operations Support Squadron Air Force Operations Flight commander.

"Overall we did outstanding," said Kolden, who credited his flight's airfield management and air traffic control tower members.

There were three main areas of the inspection and all three of these areas heavily involved the 92ndOSS. The three categories are airfield operations management and air traffic control, airfield management, and airfield infrastructure. All of these areas were rated outstanding.

Although the 92ndOSS contributes a large part to the airfield infrastructure area of inspection, they are also heavily supported and work hand in hand with two 92nd Mission Support Group squadrons; the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron and the 92nd Communications Squadron.

The 92nd CES has responsibilities across every inch of Fairchild and this includes the flightline.

"It's our job to make sure the concrete, asphalt and lights are in the right conditions so the tankers can use the flightline," said Mr. Ron Daniels, 92nd CES deputy director. "It's one of our highest priorities to make sure whole flightline is in usable condition. Our team did an amazing job."

The 92nd Communication Squadron's support extends to the operation and maintenance of equipment used by the air traffic control tower and pilots.

"We have direct responsibilities over several different airfield equipment systems. These assets ensure aircraft continue to land safely, especially during inclement weather." said Doug Bray, 92nd CS deputy director. "Master Sgt. Keith Olson has done an outstanding job with our folks with executing numerous operations checks and preventative maintenance inspections, ultimately guaranteeing a completely operational airfield since last November's runway reconstruction. They've done a super job."

The 92nd OSS commander reiterated Fairchild's success. "The inspection team lauded the Airmen across the 92nd CS, 92nd CES, 92nd OSS and safety for superior teamwork and an overwhelmingly positive attitude," said Lt. Col. Mark Kraby. "They all worked hand-in-hand to make this inspection a resounding success."

Contributions the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Safety Office gave that were most noted were their bird aircraft strike hazard program, better known as BASH.

"Inspectors recommended it for two AMC best practices for the teamwork they saw between safety, airfield management, the falconer and entomology," said Lt. Col. Paul Baker. "They also recognized our teamwork with the 141st ARW in securing a federal grant to improve the fencing on the field to manage wildlife. None of this would happen without teamwork."