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Successful Inspection at the 171st Air Refueling Wing

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hoover
  • 171st Air Refueling Wing

The 171st Air Refueling Wing inspection team determined the base demonstrated an exceptionally high level of knowledge and skill during the Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection on August 25 to August 28, 2022.

The NORI is a performance-based, readiness evaluation where the 171st was required to demonstrate nuclear operational capabilities in a time-constrained environment over multiple days.

“Our Inspector General and Wing Inspection Team worked very hard over the past two years to prepare for the NORI,” said Col. Raymond L. Hyland Jr., commander of the 171st. “Our Airmen didn’t just wake up ready for a NORI. Successful inspections are the result of many exercises and hard work over the course of many years.”

The inspection is also used to identify areas for improvement while certifying a unit for nuclear support. The three major graded areas are: generating aircraft, response to crisis, and mobilizing personnel and cargo to deployed locations.

In 2017, the 171st went through a certification process that granted the base’s inspector general the authority to scrutinize the nuclear readiness mission. This allowed the 171st Wing Inspection Team to evaluate the program. Then, the 171st was inspected on their ability to accurately self-assess.

In addition to demonstrating readiness, this assessment showcased the importance of training for continuity. The base has gone through significant changeover in leadership and other roles between the 2017 and 2022 inspections.

“Our members proved that we are not only capable of performing and excelling at the mission, but that we are also really good at training our replacements,” said Hyland.

The 171st ARW continues to train to remain ‘always ready’.