Command Corner: June 13 Published June 13, 2008 By Col. Eric Wydra 436th Airlift Wing DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover is less than two months away from the operational readiness inspection, which means it's crunch time! On Monday we will kick off the Elephant Walk exercise to continue honing our warfighting skills. We have been preparing for almost a year, and as we get ready for this crucial inspection we must not become complacent. In November we began stressing the importance of standards, responsibility and accountability; and we will continue to stress these critical mission areas long after the inspection team leaves. The traits that we focus on in preparation for the ORI are extremely important as we perform our day-to-day mission here at home station and around the world. From supporting the Global War on Terror to humanitarian relief efforts - ours is a no-fail mission. If we do not adhere to standards, shoulder the responsibility of our mission, and hold ourselves accountable for our actions, we run the risk of failure, and that is not an option. We conform to standards not only because we are required to, but also because they are our roadmap to mission accomplishment. Standards are the foundation of excellence and they touch each and every one of us. Aircrews must adhere to standards before operating an aircraft, maintainers must meet standards before they can work on equipment, civil engineers must know the standards regulating building construction, doctors meet standards before they are allowed to take care of our Airmen, and the list goes on. Every member of Team Dover should know exactly what is required of them to perform their job. If they don't, critical mistakes could lead to mission delay, failure, injury or even worse. Standards are established not as an extra hoop to jump through, but to ensure that a job is performed safely, correctly and most important, effectively every time. The full-spectrum excellence that we adhere to at Dover Air Force Base is the standard we expect every Team Dover member to strive for. As members of the United States Air Force, we must ensure that our organizations are grounded in accountability. Webster's Dictionary defines accountability as "an obligation to accept responsibility or to account for ones actions." It is the responsibility of all of us to be accountable for our actions, both on duty and off. It is the responsibility of supervisors to hold subordinates accountable for both mistakes and achievements. Mistakes give us an opportunity to learn, but if there is no accountability, mistakes can be repeated and cripple an organization. On the other hand, being held accountable for your actions doesn't happen only when you make a mistake. Accountability includes taking the time to recognize outstanding achievements. Team Dover was held accountable when we received the 2008 Commander-in-Chief's Award for Installation Excellence. On June 3, the Delaware State Senate presented Col. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander, with a resolution commending all Dover AFB personnel for earning the prestigious award. Now that is accountability! Having been named the best base in the Air Force, Team Dover's commitment to the standards set forth cannot slacken as we continue to deliver necessary and vital supplies to the warfighter. Committed to being the best...just one more reason Team Dover is "America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team!"