Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

After a rigorous 12-day evaluation, Team Hill received its Operational Readiness Inspection results on Monday. 

Inspectors from Air Force Materiel Command and Air Combat Command were here Oct. 28 through Nov. 8 to evaluate the base on its ability to deploy, respond to contingency situations, and survive and operate in a wartime environment.

All base employees participating in the Operational Readiness Inspection Nov. 1-9 are encouraged to take advantage of the early voting program. Voters should be aware that, due to the ORI, base roads and gates could be congested on Nov. 2, General Election Day.

The early voting program will last through Oct. 29, with the polls remaining open for a minimum of four hours. Polls will close no later than 5 p.m. on the last day of early voting. 

What you are about to read may sound like a history lesson. But after reading various accounts of the Revolutionary War, I've found it is amazingly applicable to the next two months as the 419th Fighter Wing and its Team Hill counterparts prepare for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection.

All those not working at Hill Air Force Base are being asked to avoid accessing the base, Nov. 1-6, if at all possible during the Operational Readiness Inspection. Interruptions in service normally expected during an ORI are predicted to be especially frequent during that period.

During the ORI, scheduled Oct. 28 through Nov. 8,

the gate and certain base services may experience periodic delays or unexpected closures. All nonessential personnel should avoid accessing the base during the ORI to avoid interruptions in base services normally available to them.

Team Hill, as we get ready for our upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection it is important to remember that we all, everyone working here, have a part in preparing our wartime readiness. We will be evaluated on antiterorism/force protect -- maybe requiring you to evacuate a building, take shelter or simulate 911 calls. Any of you could get the inspectors' input (card) ... any of you can affect the image shown to our headquarters.

Another boring safety article? I hope not. I’ll try my best to deliver some critical safety material in an interesting fashion; a challenge by anyone’s standards. And who knows, this information may help you enjoy a fun, safe and successful Operational Readiness Inspection. (Read that successful ORI as a “Pass.”) “FUN. Whatchu talking about Willis?”