Shaw air traffic system passes inspection with zero write-ups Published Nov. 4, 2009 By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Shaw was inspected by Air Combat Command in the Air Traffic System Evaluation Program recently and team Shaw passed with flying colors. "We had zero observations!" said Capt. Christopher Smith, 20th Operations Support Squadron airfield operations flight commander. "An observation is the most serious write-up during an ATSEP," he explained. "Getting zero observations is a huge feat and not many bases can say the same. In comparison, three other ACC bases inspected this year had observations." The ATSEP is a major command-level inspection conducted every two to three years. The inspection covers all aspects of airfield operations to include, but not limited to air traffic control, airfield management, airfield systems and radar maintenance. The control tower for air traffic control began preparing for the inspection one-and-a-half years ago, said Tech. Sgt. Jason Provencher, 20th OSS control tower watch supervisor. All procedures, checklists, publications and records had to be sound. It's particularly a detail-oriented task because the air traffic world is always changing. All the directives used had to be constantly updated to reflect the changes. "The controllers spent countless hours honing their skills working live traffic, traffic on the tower simulator and reviewing regulations," Sergeant Provencher added. "Knowing and executing air traffic procedures is vital to aircraft safety and the time they spent showed during the inspection." The outstanding performers recognized at the out-brief were Tech. Sgts. Jason Provencher and Marisa Havermann, Staff Sgts. Jessica Guile, Delwyn James and Matt Wheeler, Senior Airman Dorothy Newman, Airman 1st Class Garie Routhieaux and Mr. Art Byers. Although some stood out more than others, Sergeant Provencher said teamwork was the most important aspect for the inspection. "Like everything else, team work contributed to our success," he explained. "There are so many pieces to the puzzle that need to be in sync and without team work, a successful inspection would not have been possible."