ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Various components of the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, and 316th Wing received high marks during a recent, no-notice inspection.
The Air Sovereignty Alert Detachment, 316th Security Forces, 113th Operations and Maintenance Groups participated in a no-notice Alert Force Evaluation in which the unit received an overall "Outstanding" rating from the North American Air Defense, Inspector General.
"The NORAD IG was very impressed with the total effort, understanding how difficult it is, for a unit, to get these high level of ratings - especially since they have very stringent grading criteria," said Brig. Gen. Linda K. McTague, 113th Wing commander.
An AFE is a very critical, no-notice inspection given every 12-18 months by the NORAD IG and is used to determine a unit's ability to perform the alert mission. The inspection covers five elements to include initial response, command and control, employment, alert aircraft and security forces.
"The IG was also very complimentary of our great host-tenant working relationship and close coordination between units," said General McTague.
Numerous airmen played a vital role in the outstanding rating. However, Airman 1st Class Collin Sheehan, of the 316th Security Forces Squadron, was recognized by the NORAD IG as a Superior Performer. In addition, the security forces alert tasking notification system was recognized as "Best Practice."
Andrews AFB is home to the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard. Following Sept. 11, 2001, the 113th Wing adopted the Air Sovereignty Alert mission. Along with various components of the 316th Wing, Team Andrews was given the responsibility of defending the airspace over the National Capital Region.
"Everyone in the DCANG and 316th that works diligently to support the ASA mission every day should take pride in this outcome, said General McTague. "Defending the Nation's Capital is our job 24/7 and no one does it better."