MXG: 'Bring on' the ORI - we're ready

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Editor's note: this is the final of a four-part series on each of the 7th Bomb Wing groups and their roles in the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection. 

The 7th Bomb Wing's largest group, home to 1,650 Airmen in five squadrons, say they're ready for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection. 

The 7th Maintenance Group, comprised of the 7th Aircraft Maintenance, the 7th Component Maintenance, the 7th Equipment Maintenance, the 7th Maintenance Operations, and the 7th Munitions Squadrons, are responsible for the maintenance of the B-1s and their equipment for building and maintaining the munitions the bomber carries. 

"The mission wouldn't get done without the maintainers, when it comes down to it," said Col. James Milburn, 7th MXG commander. 

And they've proven it by putting in a lot of long hours and dirty work during the six Operational Readiness Exercises leading up to the ORI Oct. 2 to 8. 

"We've got some of the finest Airmen in the U.S. Air Force right here in the 7th Maintenance Group," said Chief Master Sgt. Reynold John, 7th MXG superintendent. "They're dedicated to the mission and dedicated to the calling that we are asked every day to do for our country." 

Having been an aircraft maintainer for 29 years, he knows the kind of sweat it takes to do it and do it well. 

"To make this airplane work takes a lot of personal sacrifice, dedication, and time spent learning the airplane," the chief said. "There are a lot of busted knuckles, [but] when that B-1 takes off, there's a lot of pride in knowing what they've done has produced a capable air plane and a formidable weapons system." 

The 7th Munitions Squadron is particularly "pumped" for the ORI, said Maj. Brian Mikus, 7th MUNS commander. 

"There's lots of unit pride among ammo and armament troops," he said. "Without them, B-1 is either static display or great air show asset." 

The group has performed very well leading up to the ORI, Colonel Milburn said, but now they need to not only maintain that standard but also fine-tune what was documented in the previous OREs. 

"Three OREs ago, we had some concerns," Colonel Milburn said. "We had a lot of catching up and planning to do, and improvements to make, but the last ORE was graded overall satisfactory. We [were] really tough on these guys, and that's by design. There's been a lot of time and sacrifice leading up to the ORI, not only the folks on the flightline but also their families." 

There's no one person who's going to make or break the ORI, but as a team they will be successful, both men agreed. Staying dedicated, staying motivated, knowing the job, doing it as a team, and having a positive attitude is what's needed, they said. 

"Being mission -ready means making sure your PIMR is good, you're healthy, you're ready to go to war, and all your training is up to speed," said Maj. Dain Kleiv, 7th Maintenance Operations Squadron commander. 

"There's always something you can work on, but I feel very comfortable that the Airmen out here are ready for it," Chief John said. 

"We want to win the ORI, and we can do that," Colonel Milburn said. "Bring it on."