MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --
For the first time, the 931st Air Refueling Wing recently participated in Team McConnell’s Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection.
NORI’s are specifically designed to inspect wings or installations on their operational effectiveness in combat to conduct the strategic mission, in McConnell’s case, air refueling. Since the 931 ARW officially became a wing in 2016, its participation was required.
According to Maj. Mike Murphy, 18 Air Refueling Squadron Chief of Wing Plans, six air crew members from the 18 ARS participated in the NORI through aircrew responses and testing. Unlike their active duty counterparts, members participating from the 18 ARS were voluntary.
In addition to their willingness to participate, the Citizen Airmen were also able to incorporate their experience. For example, NORI participant Lt. Col. Brant Abraham, 18 ARS pilot, has more than 20 years of experience with the KC-135 Stratotanker, said Murphy.
These factors are ultimately what lead to a positive rating for Team McConnell, and the 931 ARW, at the conclusion of the inspection.
"Continuity is one of the strengths that the Reserves brings to our Total Force partnerships. With arrival of the KC-46 the 931 ARW will take on additional taskings and mission sets" said Col. Mark S. Larson, 931 ARW commander. "This NORI was especially important - not just because it's the first time the 931 ARW has generated personnel for this kind of mission, but because it allows us to integrate more fully with our Active-Duty counterparts and that is a good thing for both wings."
With the inspection finalized, Team McConnell can begin focus on training and process improvements that will continue to ensure its success. This includes the growth of the 931 ARW, which is required to increase by more than 400 personnel to meet the continuing demands of the growing wing.