Team Pope Gears up for LCAP

Published June 7, 2010
By 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn
43rd Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airmen assigned to Pope's logistic functions are under a watchful eye, this month, as inspectors will determine their standing against all bases in Air Mobility Command.

A Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection is scheduled here June 14 through 19. Inspectors will assess logistic functions of the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, 3rd Aerial Port Squadron and 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The LCAP is conducted every two years. It evaluates a unit's ability to perform key logistics processes in a safe, standardized, repeatable and technically compliant manner, said Maj. Heath Schneider, 43rd LRS, director of operations.

"The LCAP provides actionable feedback to the major commands and unit commanders," he added.

The assessment is driven from Air Force Headquarters compliance checklists, and each major command has the option to add key areas on which units should focus as well.

The Air Force's key focal point is safety, compliance and proficiency. To fulfill the directives, AMC is focusing on four specific areas of concern, or Logistics Interest Items. Pope's items of interest are hearing conservation, Air Force Smart Operations, spotting procedures and fall protection, Major Schneider said.

The LCAP is an opportunity for units across the Air Force to demonstrate the hard work they put into meeting the mission.

"The LCAP will provide validation of all the outstanding work we do, not just at Pope, but in support of AMC global mobility and the Department of Defense," Lt. Col. Michael Estira, 43rd LRS Commander said.

During the inspection, 30 members of the LCAP inspection team will observe units whose members work through checklists to ensure proper procedures are being followed. Everything that is logistics-driven across Pope can be inspected. Affected squadrons include maintenance, aerial port and each unit in LRS, to include the supply, transportation and logistics plans functions.

To get ready for the inspection, results from inspections of other AMC units are reviewed. Although the preparation hasn't been easy, all three squadrons have been working toward the inspection.

"While we're always ready for an inspection, we truly geared up and prepared for this specific inspection starting December 2009," the major said.

More than 700 Airmen from the 43rd LRS, 3rd APS and 43rd AMXS are working hard to prepare for the inspection, and Airmen from all across base have pooled together to provide help.

"The 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron has helped set up facilities, the 43rd Force Support Squadron set up billeting arrangements for the inspectors, and we are so grateful for their hard work and effort," he added.

As for the rest of Team Pope, Airmen can assist with the inspection by remaining cognizant of litter, adhering to proper safety precautions and following customs and courtesies.

"As you go around base and see an inspector, it doesn't hurt to share with them how AMXS, APS and LRS are supporting the base and its mission," the major added.

Major Schneider is confident Pope can meet and surpass the 2008 inspection overall score of excellent.

"As hard as this base works to accomplish the mission and care that the mission is completed safely, I know the Wing will do well."