Team Eglin shines in LSET inspection

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgts. Stacia Zachary and LuCeila Ball
  • 96 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Comprehensive Team Eglin preparedness produces unprecedented results in Air Force Materiel Command history during the Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Team inspection Nov. 5 through 9.
"The LSET inspection is complete and our 'Loggies' and maintainers absolutely wowed the inspection team," said Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune, Program Executive Officer for Weapons and Commander, Air Armament Center.
"This is a difficult inspection. I am particularly impressed with the consistency of scores. For example, our very thorough and comprehensive preparation resulted in no units with a score less than 'Excellent' - which is unprecedented in my career."
Members from the 96th Air Base Wing and the 46th Test Wing received only "Excellent" and "Outstanding" ratings during the inspection based on paperwork and demonstration observation. The results, announced Nov. 9, included two "Outstanding" ratings and 25 "Excellent" ratings for Team Eglin.
"The LSET inspection is conducted through the use of Air Force checklists," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Acevedo, 46th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance superintendent. "During the inspection, we not only had to explain the process or program but also demonstrate it to the inspectors. This is where we shined hence the 'Excellent' results."
These results were made possible because of the all-inclusive joint preparation effort led by two Team Eglin senior noncommissioned officers. Each chief master sergeant helped focus on their wing's unique mission. 
The 46th TW cleared many hurdles through thorough preparation and continued professionalism while working on mission requirements.
"We had two points of contact between (the two wings) who helped ensure we met all the inspection team's requirements before the arrived which created a smooth transition and not a lot of last minute preparation," Chief Acevedo said.
"Another great thing about this wing is we work as a team and we use the Wingman concept to help us resolve and conquer any obstacle and make sure everything is done safely and by the book."
With the structure already in place to help guarantee a successful inspection, the largest obstacle the 46th TW had to overcome was the mixture of different mission capabilities and requirements among the units within the wing. With five different aircraft (F-16, F-15, A-10, C-130 and UH-1) to manage daily as well as specialized weapons testing, there were a lot of moving pieces that needed to all be accounted for and in working in top condition.
"The biggest hurdle we encountered while preparing for such a major inspection is the diversity," Chief Acevedo said. "Ensuring all sections had proper guidance, resources and equipment to perform at their best was critical to our success."
On the 96th ABW side of the house, the report's stellar ratings were earned despite limited manning.
"Our success was significant because these Airmen are continuing home garrison operations while also dealing with a manpower shortage due to some of our folks being deployed," said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Frazier, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Fleet manager. "We reexamined some of our processes prior to the inspection and made sure we dotted the 'i's' and crossed the 't's.' These Airmen did an incredible job considering the many things they are responsible for."
All of the 96th LRS flights were subject to inspection, which included vehicle management, vehicle operations, petroleum, oils and lubricants, material management, management and systems and traffic management.
"These Airmen went into the inspection with a very positive attitude," Chief Frazier said. "Our duties here aren't always as glamorous as deployment operations are, like convoy duty, but these guys are proud of what they do here and they couldn't wait to show off what they do."
Overall, the secret to the success Team Eglin enjoyed during this inspection came down to two things: communication and teamwork between the 46th TW and the 96th ABW.
"Keeping an open line of communication, in terms of solving some of our unique challenges, was the key to success," said the chief. "All-in-all, the 46th TW and the 96th ABW perform at the same level 365 days a year with the understanding that no unit on this base succeeds on its own. We are a team and we succeed as a team."