Grissom ATC reaches new heights Published Dec. 19, 2011 By Senior Airman Damon Kasberg 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Being evaluated on more than 500 items can be daunting, but Grissom personnel rose up to the challenge and set new standards for the Air Force. During a recent air traffic system evaluation, Grissom scored a 98.8 percent in the field of operations. "Last evaluation we got a 96," said Bob Ulibarri, 434th Operations Support Squadron airfield operations manager, about the inspection, which takes place every two years. "That was the best we've ever done, and now we surpassed that mark." The evaluation aimed to provide an assessment of the quality, adequacy and safety of the air traffic system supporting flying operations at Grissom. The Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command inspection team evaluated Grissom's air traffic system capabilities, air traffic and flight procedures, air traffic control, air management, terminal instrument procedures, airspace, ATC and landing systems support, weather support and civil engineering support. During the week-long evaluation, Grissom received excellent scores in training, quality assurance and administration. A couple of Grissom's programs were so exceptional, they'll now be used as a bench mark for other Air Force units in the future, said Ulibarri. These include Grissom's training and standardization program as well as its mid air collision avoidances program. According to the evaluation report "the unit's MACA Program was first identified as a bench mark program in 2006; it continues to be the 'best seen' in over 100 unit assessments. This program is an Air Force Reserve Command bench mark for ATC training." Many of Grissom personnel were also noted by the inspection team as outstanding performers during the evaluation, including Ulibarri, Kari Ellis, Mindy Conner, Bob Moore, Mike Lang, Paul Colburn, Marlene Seneca, Michael Thompson, Joe Finnerty and Theresa Wilson. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
