ORI Excellence: IG releases results from Team Dover's ORI Published Aug. 21, 2008 By Col Steven Harrison 436 AW commander DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! Congratulations Team Dover on receiving an Excellent on the operational readiness inspection! The Inspector General's results prove once again that Dover AFB is America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team! I want to thank you once more for the hard work and long hours you invested while preparing for this inspection. Your Herculean efforts showed as we mobilized the base, generated 100% of our C-5 fleet, and deployed our entire contingent twenty-four hours ahead of schedule. All with only minor discrepancies in the personnel and cargo deployment functions and no major safety violations - that's impressive. While we naturally focus considerable attention on how the IG graded our performance, it is not the most important aspect of the ORI. The most significant outcome of any ORI is to ensure you and your organization are ready at a moments notice to execute the Air Force's mobility mission in any operating environment. I think you all proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. In fact, immediately after the ORI we had a chance to prove our readiness. I'm sure you are aware of the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Republic of Georgia. Last week, an aircrew from Dover had the honor of flying the first of two C-17s carrying humanitarian aid to thousands of displaced people in that country. Members of the 3rd Airlift Squadron and 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were tasked to fly into Georgia after completing their mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These seven Airmen represent the amazing flexibility and preparedness of all Dover AFB personnel. They were properly trained and ready to respond at a moment's notice. This level of readiness, coupled with state-of-the art aircraft and the world class team it takes to load, service, maintain, and support this national asset, allows our Airmen to support any contingency anywhere in the world 24/7. This is a classic example of Dover's global impact. To use the words of the special envoy to the Georgian President, the relief our team delivered "definitely saved lives." This particular mission received unusual attention at the highest levels of government around the world. But it is really just emblematic of what our Airmen, on the ground and in the air, are doing every day of the year--saving lives and delivering freedom. Great work! Being good is tough. We place constant emphasis on Air Mobility Command's 24 hour a day, 365 day a year mission ... and rightly so. However, it is also important for each of us to take time off to relax, rejuvenate, and spend quality time with our families. With Labor Day just around the corner, and the end of the 101 Critical Days of Summer, I ask that each of you take some personal time to enjoy life and those that make it worthwhile. Don't wait until the last minute to make a solid and safe travel plan, and don't neglect to take the time at all ... because it won't be long before we begin picking up the pace for Dover's unit compliance inspection in April 2009. For many, all the hard work paid off this week with a promotion to staff sergeant! Please join me in saluting our recent selects and celebrating their success. As the newest members of the Air Force's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, the future of our service rests in their capable hands ... and I'm confident of their leadership. Congratulations! Excellent ORI scores, mission excellence, and excellent new NCOs ... three more reasons Dover is America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team!