3rd Wing undergoes operational readiness inspection

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  People who live and work in the neighborhoods around Elmendorf can expect increased flying operations and simulated bombings, loudspeaker communications and sirens June 1-7 as the 3rd Wing undergoes a Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection. 

The first phase of the around-the-clock inspection will allow the PACAF Inspector General to validate the 3rd Wing's readiness and capability to deploy people, cargo and aircraft to a forward location. The second phase will test the wing's ability to survive and operate in a combat environment. 

"This inspection will validate that the 3rd Wing is one of the most diverse and combat capable units in the Air Force. This ORI is one more opportunity for base members to showcase their unprecedented skill and professionalism," said Col. Thomas Bergeson, 3rd Wing commander. "While we want to minimize the impact on the local community, at times we will have a lot of activity going on during nighttime hours that are normally much quieter. We appreciate the community's support as we provide the most realistic training possible for our Airmen." 

There are more than 600 3rd Wing warriors currently deployed around the globe, including 218 in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Additionally during this time, people who are not participating in the inspection should make every effort to avoid traveling within the play area, which will be marked by signs on base. All base members and visitors should expect longer than usual delays at services facilities and base gates. 

The 3rd Wing supports and defends United States interests in the Pacific and around the world by providing units capable of worldwide airpower projection and meeting Pacific Command's theater staging and throughput requirements. In short: Global Power, Global Reach, Homeland Defense and Expeditionary Combat Support. 

For more information about the ORI, call 3rd Wing Public Affairs at 552-4698. Noise complaints can be called in at 1-800-JET-NOIS (1-800-538-6647).