YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — For the second time in less than a year, the 374th Airlift Wing is facing a major readiness review by Pacific Air Forces.
Yokota’s Installation Readiness Response Inspection begins Monday and runs through Friday, base officials said.
The wing earned an “excellent” rating for its last IRRI in March 2001 and got a “satisfactory” mark in an Operational Readiness Inspection last March. PACAF scheduled this week’s assessment in 2006.
“Last year, the PACAF [Inspector General] validated the wing as mission capable,” said Col. Tom Davidson, the 374th Airlift Wing’s inspector general.
“This inspection gives the wing a chance to show the inspectors how we have refined and improved our processes. I expect that some of the newest programs will be adopted by other bases to improve their ability to deploy and receive forces.”
The inspection won’t cause a major disruption to daily life at Yokota, he added. No road closures are forecast but residents might see some impact on base functions:
The 374th Mission Support Squadron’s customer service area will be closed all week. However, people requiring immediate assistance will get help on an individual basis. For emergencies during the inspection, contact the squadron’s unit control center at DSN 225-8376.Scheduled medical care will be reduced, but urgent care facilities remain available throughout the IRRI.The Kanto Express base shuttle will halt normal service during the week. It’s set to resume two hours after the inspection ends.Davidson said an IRRI is used to test a unit’s weapon system generation, mobility, noncombatant evacuation and reception of forces during a major theater war plan, contingency or other operation.
Airmen’s capacity to provide self-aid and buddy care also will be emphasized.
He offered some advice to Yokota airmen heading into the evaluation.
“Maintain attention to detail,” he said. “This is not the time to try out something new. Simply use your training and make sure you understand the situation. Project yourself into the scenario and continue to work the problem until the inspector tells you to stop. Carry everything to a logical conclusion unless the inspector tells you otherwise.
“A sense of urgency is part of the grade, so take charge and treat it like a real life situation.”
Col. Scott Goodwin, the 374th Airlift Wing commander, said Friday the base is confident and focused.
“Our airmen have honed their skills and are ready to show. Yokota will succeed at any task it is given. We’ve trained hard and developed several excellent processes to streamline our primary functions of deployment, reception, employment, base defense and noncombatant evacuation operations,” he said.
