442nd welcomes 10th Air Force SAV team

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. William Huntington
  • 442nd Fighter Wing public affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 442nd Fighter Wing will be a hive of activity during the April UTA as the 10th Air Force Staff Assistance Visit team continues to pore over the Wing's records and practices in preparation for the upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection. 

The UCI, scheduled for July 31 to Aug. 5, will inspect the wing's processes to ensure compliance with Air Force standards. 

Some work centers have already seen the 10th AF hat hanging in their offices. The 442nd FW Safety saw one of its former members, Senior Master Sgt. Dan Maham, 10th AF Safety, review their processes. Another 10th AF member, Senior Master Sgt. Bill Goben, scrutinized the activities of Wing's Public Affairs office during his recent visit. 

"It is my responsibility to provide customer-oriented feedback on the wing public affairs processes," Sergeant Goben said. "This feedback, which the public affairs staff has identified, is based upon functional areas which may need improvement." 

Col. Rebecca Oroukin, 10th AF SAV team chief, echoed Sergeant Goben's posture on the nature of the SAV and wants members to understand that the visit is not punitive but ultimately beneficial to the Wing as it prepares for the UCI. It is a point that she feels should be emphasized. 

"My perspective as Team Chief is that we are not the Inspector General," Colonel Oroukin said with an emphasis on the word "not.'' ''The SAV philosophy is to help the unit find solutions to those problems you help us identify, refine processes and programs, and help ensure the unit is in compliance." 

Colonel Oroukin further explained that the 10th AF SAV team members will provide references and guidance on policy, not opinion or speculation. 

"The SAV and Maintenance Standardization Evaluation Program reports are intended to help units help themselves," she said. 

Col. Steve Arthur, 442nd FW commander, sees the SAV as an opportunity to show the Wing's capabilities and he said he feels positive about the Wing's performance. 

"This is an opportunity for our wing to show what we are capable of," Colonel Arthur said. "I urge leaders in the 442nd to take the SAV team's report to heart and use it as a tool to prepare for the July 31 UCI and our operational readiness inspection in April 2008."