NWC commander offers advice for inspection

  • Published
  • By Col. Terrence A. Feehan
  • Nuclear Weapons Center Commander
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO --  Next week Team Kirtland faces a grueling Nuclear Surety Inspection. This will be our first time to be inspected as the Nuclear Weapons Center, drawing together the outstanding professionals of both the 377th Air Base Wing and the 498th Armament Systems Wing.

Preparations have been long and tedious. We've checked and rechecked every record, readied every vehicle, practiced our emergency response to all kinds of situations and mastered challenging technical procedures. We've worked very hard, and we are ready.
As we prepare to meet the inspectors, I want us to share a common mindset: we are proud of our mission and our skill in its accomplishment.

During the inspection, I also want us to remember the following Rules of Engagement.

We will not compromise mission safety, security or surety for any reason.
You are the expert in your task. If you disagree with an inspector's request, freeze the situation and ask your supervisor. The inspectors will never deliberately ask us to do something that endangers our mission, but they may not be totally familiar with our facilities or procedures. When in doubt, seek out your supervisor.

We will control our work areas.
Our missions require focus and freedom of movement. We need to accommodate the inspectors as they do their task, but if you feel overwhelmed, again, freeze the situation and seek out a supervisor. Never violate personnel limits or entry control procedures.

We will help the inspectors in their task.
The inspectors play a vital role in validating our safety and surety--bottom line; we're all on the same team. They are experts and can help us improve by bringing best practices or suggestions. Help them inspect us. If you see them roaming around, ask them who or what they need and guide them to it.

You are an expert; be proud of your knowledge and share what you know.
Memorized statistics provide critical data, but conversation displays your complete mastery. Be willing to openly describe what you do and how it contributes to our mission. Don't speculate on what you don't know or any areas outside your expertise; simply say you don't know and offer to take the inspector to someone who does.

Have fun.
You've worked very hard to reach the level of expertise you possess. We'll not be boastful, but we will shine. Few things are more satisfying than having an inspector tell you that you have the best program they've ever seen.

Our NWC mission is critical to the nation. Next week we will showcase our professionalism and demonstrate that we're the very best. So as you enjoy this coming weekend, sleep well, let your family know that next week will be long and hard, support each other, and be ready to shine.

Remember, you are trusted with enormous responsibility. Be prepared and be proud!