ATSEP evaluator considers Edwards to be outstanding Published Nov. 4, 2009 By Airman 1st Class William A. O'Brien 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 412th Operations Support Squadron was evaluated on their Air Traffic Systems Program Oct. 26 through the 30. "Every day is inspection day for AOF systems supporting the flying organizations," said Capt. Valentine Maldonado. "In this career field you can't really have a bad day and survive." The purpose of the inspection was to analyze from an operational viewpoint the total air traffic system for safety, compatibility and adequacy. Various aspects of the supporting systems for the base aviation community, including airfield operations management, air traffic control tower operations and training, airfield management, airfield management operations and training, air traffic control & landing systems maintenance were put under the microscope during this inspection. The last time the 412th OSS received an ATSEP inspection was January 2007. Captain Maldonado said his team had great success because they identified what went wrong for them last time and ensured compliance. "We focused our energy on problems we encountered last inspection," he said. "Additionally, we asked AFMC for staff assistance visits to help us focus our energy for corrective measures in compliance." Of the more than 700 checklist items, the team received only 46 to correct. The Air Traffic System Evaluation Program is a compliance inspection so no score was given," said Col. Collin Miller, 412th Operations Group commander. But according to the head inspector, if it had been scored, it would be an outstanding." Captain Maldonado said the key to his team's success was what they've been able to accomplish between inspections and their ability to maintain their records. "The key to passing this inspection is the administration and documentation over time while completing periodic self-inspection checklists which is where we earn our money for keeping daily accountability for Air Force Instruction compliance." Captain Maldonado said he was happy with the performance of all representatives who interacted with the inspectors for the professionalism they convey. "A big part of our performance was the people that interacted with the AFMC Team," he said. "We were professional and it showed. Staff Sgt. Cherie Platt, Air Traffic Control noncommissioned officer in charge of Training & Standardization. She was remarkable in her execution of her ATC Training portion of the checklist. She did not take a single write-up, which was our most significant accomplishment during the visit." The following are the outstanding performers from the inspection: Staff Sgt. Cherie Platt Senior Airman Kyle Lanthier Senior Airman Justin Huffman Joe Stout Sac Tampon Joe Masei Frank Flynt Andy Dufour Jeff Cushanick Greg Clayson