CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, SC –
Good morning Team Charleston.
Last week we observed the 15th Anniversary of the first C-17 delivery to Charleston AFB. Needless to say, the celebration was a phenomenal success. From the golf tournament and the C-17 Heritage Tribute on Friday, to the general officer panel and 17th Airlift Squadron Moose Stomp on Saturday, Team Charleston spirit was clearly evident with everyone working together towards a very successful outcome. Kudos to all who spent countless hours putting together this first-class celebration ... this was a true example of the Air Force core value "Excellence in all we do."
As we reflect on the amazing accomplishments of the C-17 in the last 15 years -- unsurpassed by any other aircraft in the entire Air Force inventory -- we must continue that same creative, innovative spirit and commitment to excellence as we get ready for our next challenge, the Operational Readiness Inspection in August.
Preparing for the ORI is our No. 1 priority. We need every Airman focused on their mission to prove to the Inspector General why we are the premier airlift wing in the Air Force. We must work hard, but just as importantly, work smart and by the book. As we move through the next two exercises and towards the ORI, my challenge to you is to set the bar high, not just for yourselves, but for your wingmen also.
Clearly the ORI is not the time to complete a lengthy examination on how we perform our mission. We need to focus on back-to-basics, keep a positive and can-do attitude and dedicate ourselves to the job at hand. If you see a problem, fix it now, so we are ready when the red flag goes up. Work within the guidance provided by Technical Orders and Air Force Instructions. Know the AFI or TO that governs your work place and follow it ... do not cut corners. If there's a smarter way to work, speak up and take action. Strict adherence to TOs or AFIs is required but if something doesn't work it needs to be addressed at the proper time and with proper procedures. If the problem or issue is beyond your ability to solve, then get help from your supervisor or commander.
TOs require thoughtful and deliberate input to make changes to standard operating procedures. Waivers and changes are an important part of the process, but this process must be documented. Requested changes should be open to scrutiny and proposed improvements should be implemented through official supplements and changes to the TOs. The rogue cowboy approach does not square with accomplishing our overall mission. Working in a vacuum without the input and overview of peers, supervisors and leaders is counter productive at best and could even be dangerous.
I encourage you to be creative ... inside the system! Some of the best ideas come from our youngest Airmen, those viewing our processes and procedures for the very first time. Listen to your Airmen and nurture an environment where ideas are encouraged and change is welcome. Guide these ideas through the process to make them standard operating procedures. These disciplines are not mutually exclusive -- they all need to be embraced and incorporated into how we in the Air Force accomplish business daily.
Team Charleston efforts in these areas and our hard work, dedication and commitment to accomplishing the mission will shine brightly during the ORI. This event will showcase the pride of our Airmen and will further instill "Excellence in all we do" throughout Charleston and the Air Force.
"Team Charleston" is more than a motto. It defines who we are -- working as a team to accomplish great things every day.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!