Inspection complete, teamwork continues Published April 11, 2011 By Al Strait 21st Space Wing director of staff PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Now that the Operational Readiness Inspection and Compliance Inspection are over, some may wonder what is next for the wing. Like many professional sports teams, NASCAR or concert tours, there is a break in the action after the big season. Our season for the ORI/CI lasted many months and now we can take a much deserved break. However, the key question is what constitutes a break? We rolled out of the Inspector General's out brief right into spring break. Did that give the wing team time to decompress and rest? As most everyone hit the road for family trips, skiing or other events, I doubt many of our wing team was able to get much rest. Normally, at the end of a sports season those involved with the season take more than a week off. At the end of any pro season, the athletes, coaches and management take a break, relax and enjoy time with their families, but are still taking steps to maintain their competitive edge. They still follow some type of training regimen. The same goes for the wing. We will continue to have Condor Crest exercises, the self inspection program will still be part of our training plan and the focus on compliance will continue to be a priority. We will still focus on ensuring our Warrior Airmen have the right training and proper equipment. Another thing that happens to teams in the off season is the team dynamics may change. Managers and players will be traded, others will retire and there may be rule changes, which force teams to review their overall game plan. However, even though major changes may occur, teams still have to prepare for the next season. In the coming months, the wing will also go through major changes as we continue to support day-to-day operations. We will have a new wing and vice commander by the middle of summer. Four of the five group commanders will take on new responsibilities. More than half of the existing squadron commanders will change out. Key members of the wing staff and front office will also take on new challenges. As with any transition there will be adjustments and challenges, but we have the nucleus of the team in place to continue meeting mission demands. Normally, when the key players from a team come or go, they receive a big signing bonus or have a big send off. While incoming personnel will not receive a big bonus, they will have the opportunity to be part of a great wing team. It will also mean more briefings and more finalizing of the game plan for the next season. There may be adjustments to visions, mission statements and priorities, but the overall mission will continue with people being at the core. For our departing members there will be a farewell event, a medal presentation or some other type of recognition. Every departing wing member deserves a well deserved thank you, because their work ethic and contributions were critical to mission success. I know there is danger in trying to say thanks to the departing team members, but for me this past inspection cycle has been one to remember. Wing leadership did their job in leading the team. They relied upon team members from each group to do their job and everyone worked a little harder to ensure the job got done. Yes, errors were committed, turnovers happened and we sometimes took a beating, but the wing rallied and went back to the basics for continued mission success. The departing casts of players are all superstars and are to be commended for their leadership and contributions. While all will be missed, there is one superstar who I want to personally say thank you to. This superstar spent more than 35-plus years serving her country and has been a mainstay of the wing. To Pam Phillian, I say "thank you" for your service, your leadership and your friendship. Our wing and Air Force are better for your service.