615th CRW ready to tackle first ORI Published Oct. 4, 2007 By 1st Lt. Lindsey Hahn 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With a little more than two years of operational experience under their belt, the 615th Contingency Response Wing faces their first Operational Readiness Inspection Oct. 10 to 18. Members of the 615th CRW will deploy to Gulfport, Miss., the same place they originally deployed to in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, to demonstrate their ability to open up and sustain an operational airbase. Col. Anthony Hinen, 615th CRW commander, is so confident in his team's ability that he met with the Air Mobility Wing's Inspection Division Chief, Col. Stan Dougherty, to pass a special request. He asked him to give the 615th CRW the toughest inspection possible! "Our Airmen have worked incredibly hard and made many sacrifices preparing for our first-ever ORI," Colonel Hinen said. "I want them to have an opportunity to earn an 'Outstanding' and I want the IG to be able to justify that grade if we've earned it. Our Airmen are anxious to show the IG that we can do the CRW mission better than anyone else." "I'm quietly confidant about the outcome," he continued, "because I've seen first-hand the dedication, determination and can-do attitude of our Airmen -- it's evident at every level from the youngest airman to the oldest colonel." The ORI will culminate two years of constant preparation by the 615th CRW, who participated in several exercises including Eagle Flag, Dublin Fury, Lightning Fury and Hydra. The team also held a practice exercise in Gulfport, where the 621st CRW from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., who completed their ORI in March, tested their abilities. "The 621st CRW did an outstanding job supporting our ORI preparations," said Col. Matt Yotter, 572nd Contingency Response Group commander and the commander for the deploying 615th CRG. "We have challenged our people in every possible way, and they have performed and prepared for this well beyond my highest expectations. The entire 615th CRW's efforts have improved our total combat readiness and I believe our Airmen will surely impress the command's inspection team." At Gulfport, the CRW will be tasked to open up an air base and will also be tested on their "Ability to Survive and Operate" in a chemical environment. After they open the air base, they will receive follow-on forces, whom they will hand over control of the air base to, before redeploying to Travis. Also tested during the ORI are Self-Aid and Buddy Care, ability to operate their weapons and base security. While the 615th CRW is ultimately the entity tested, leadership points to contributions throughout Team Travis. "We salute the men and women who make up the community of Team Travis," said Col. Richard McClain, 615th CRW vice commander. "Their hard work, dedication and fantastic support has allowed us to prepare in ways we never thought possible ... the 615th CRW is prepped and ready to take on the many challenges that come with an IG inspection thanks to the great Team Travis partnership, spirit and attitude."