Nellis begins new year with ORI prep Published Jan. 12, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- While many bases in the Air Force are rolling into the New Year slowly, Nellis has hit the ground running. With less than three weeks until the Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), the 99th Air Base Wing is doing some last minute perfecting of its procedures and operations. An ORI is designed to test how well a base prepares for wartime deployments and sustains combat operations. On the first official duty day of the new year, Col. Dave Belote, 99th ABW commander, held his first commander's call, stressing the importance of preparing both mentally and operationally for the upcoming inspection. "Throughout the year we have rehearsed the procedures and have corrected what needed to be corrected," Colonel Belote said. "During this final stretch we need to put our game face on and focus on the task at hand." During the commander's call, Colonel Belote also stressed the importance of communication. "Most of our mistakes from the operational readiness exercises come from a lack of communication between the squadrons," Colonel Belote said. "Over the months we've become progressively better; now it's time to eliminate any lingering mistakes that we still may have." Also with the first week of 2010, Nellis and Creech Airmen in the 99 ABW participated in a full operational readiness exercise. This exercise acted as one of the last hands-on dress rehearsals Nellis will have before the Air Combat Command inspection team arrives for the ORI Jan. 25-29. During the ORE, Nellis demonstrated its ability to implement increased security procedures, gain 100 percent accountability of all Airmen in the 99th ABW, prepare Airmen for quick deployment, and continue with daily operations that help accomplish the Air Force mission. "We are on the right track, said Colonel Belote. "We just need to continue to pay attention to detail and keep our focus; if we do these things we will succeed." Nellis has entered the new year with a commitment to build on last year's successes and constantly improve processes. The first test to this new resolution is to excel on the ORI, and Nellis Airmen are working to make this goal come to fruition.
