SWANTON, Ohio – In a relentless demonstration of speed, skill and vigilance, about 1,000 members of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing successfully completed a six-day Combat Readiness Inspection, or CRI, April 20-26.
This intensive exercise tested the wing’s ability to generate combat power, deploy rapidly, use critical problem-solving and execute complex missions in a realistic, high-stress, contested environment.
As part of the comprehensive Air Force Inspection Program, the CRI serves to verify that the unit is not only fully trained and equipped but also mentally prepared to fight when called upon.
“The U.S. Air Force’s inspection philosophy is focused on real-world mission readiness”, said Lt. Col. Diana Sluhan, the wing inspector general for the 180th Fighter Wing, or 180FW. “The CRI is just one way the 180FW can assess our Airmen’s readiness to deploy and accomplish the mission when called by the state or the nation.”
Beyond immediate readiness, the CRI is a crucial part of the Air Force’s readiness assurance and commander accountability framework, fostering a culture of readiness where being "mission ready" means being "inspection ready" at all times.
This mindset was put to the ultimate test as the 180FW also was challenged to deploy more than 100 members to support various real-world, in-country exercises and seamlessly handled a no-notice inspection from the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, in the midst of the CRI, putting every member’s skill, training and resiliency to the test.
“Our surprise visit from NORAD was a welcomed, though unplanned, addition to this week’s focus on proving our Airmen remain diligent in their duties and always ready to fall back onto their elite training,” said Col. Curtis Voltz, commander of the 180FW. “When challenged, we respond with expertise and professionalism.”
The inspection results in an objective assessment for the commander, rating the unit’s overall effectiveness and efficiency in executing its primary mission anytime, anywhere, under all conditions.
"The final results prove that the 180FW is and remains one of the most lethal, responsive and combat-ready fighter wings in the world," Voltz said. "The results validate we stand ready to provide superior combat capability in support of our National Defense Strategy."
These official ratings matter significantly to the Wing, serving as a point of pride and a validation of its Airmen's hard work and dedication. More importantly, they provide the community and the nation assurance that the 180FW is ready to defend our national security, providing a tangible return on the investment of taxpayer dollars.
The 180FW is dedicated to protecting our nation and serving our community by providing elite Airpower, superior rapid response and maintaining an unwavering advantage over our adversaries.
"Our Airmen demonstrated a clear commitment to excellence this week,” Voltz said. "Through the long days and nights, their determination, critical thinking and tenacity pushed their teams through, proving we remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice."