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Best AF logistics compliance proven by inspection

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  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 20th Maintenance Group were inspected during the Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection here May 7-11, 2012.

A Logistics Compliance Assessment Team performs these inspections to provide leadership with an accurate assessment of unit's performance abilities, as well as personal evaluation assessments of individuals within the units.

The 20th Fighter Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron are ranked number one in inspection compliance throughout the entire Air Force after the tough inspection.

The 20th LRS consists of over 350 military and civilian personnel. They provide logistics planning, supply, and transportation support to the 20th Fighter Wing, 9th Air Force, USAFCENT and tenant units on base.

"This squadron is extremely competent at what it does, and is filled with incredible professionals," explained Maj. Jason Garrison, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander.
"I'm very proud of all their efforts."

Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander, understands and applauds such diligence and effort. "If you're compliant at home, then you'll be compliant downrange." Hall explained.

Preparation is the key to attaining such success, said Patrick Vance, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron quality assurance manager.

"Prior to an LCAP inspection we perform our own inspections," Vance said. "We administer inspection processing checklists of over 1,600 items to ensure our teams are ready."

The 20th Maintenance Group comprised of the 20th Aircraft Maintenance, 20th Component Maintenance, 20th Equipment Maintenance and 20th Maintenance Operations Squadrons was also a part the LCAP inspection.

The 20th AMXS is responsible for flightline maintenance of approximately 85 F-16 aircraft. They prepare aircraft for combat operations worldwide in support of Air Combat Command. The squadron oversees more than 750 personnel, nearly 16,000 flight hours more than 11,000 sorties annually.  Led by commander Lt. Col. Leah Fry, she was most excited to see one of her load crew teams lauded as outstanding performers.

The 20th CMS, led by commander Maj. Eric Tramel, maintains jet engines, accessories and avionic components and systems. Also, they maintain a measurement, test and diagnostic equipment laboratory in support of all three fighter squadrons.

"This inspection was a validation of the performance of our personnel day-in and day-out," Tramel explained. "It validated what we already know, that our team does it right and by the book, every time."

The 20th EMS has approximately 500 personnel in 15 Air Force Specialty Codes, and maintains a $5 million budget in support of three F-16 combat-ready squadrons. They also maintain aerospace ground equipment, munitions and armament systems for worldwide deployment and are led by Lt. Col.  James Smith, 20th EMS commander.

"We came away this year with a solid grade," Smith said. "I'm very proud of the effort we all put forward, and very satisfied with the outcome.

The 20th MOS coordinates flying and maintenance schedules of approximately 85 F-16 aircraft. They establish priorities for shared resources and provide weapon load, maintenance and safety training for more than 2,600 personnel. In addition, they evaluate maintenance records, practices and personnel to gauge compliance with directives.

"I am so proud of the hard work the squadron put into LCAP inspection preparations," said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Rice, 20th MOS superintendent. "Everyone was definitely in the performing mode and the LCAT recognized their professionalism."

From the squadrons acknowledged for their exceptional performance, 20 "Outstanding Performers" were recognized as well. These Airmen carried-out their duties with such skill and precision they were singled out among their peers for their contributions.

"The men and women of the 20th Fighter Wing are a focused capable team, and a culture of safety and compliance was evident" explained Col. Zev York, Logistics Compliance Assessment Team, team chief. "They exhibit high levels of professionalism and pride as they meet the challenges of day-to-day operations, deployments, community events and preparations for an upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection."

"I'm just proud of the wing across the board," Hall explained. "At the end of the day it's not about commanders; it's about the young Airmen who are completing the mission daily."