'EXCELLENT' Published April 17, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Patrick Brown 45th Space Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The results from a grueling two-week inspection of the 45th Space Wing Sharks were presented to a roaring crowd March 27 at the Patrick AFB Theater. The 45th SW earned an overall "Excellent" rating for its 2007 Operational Readiness Inspection. Excellent represents the second to best in a five-tier rating system ranging from Outstanding to Unsatisfactory. Following the posting of the score, Col. Daniel Adams, Air Force Space Command inspector general, who led the team of inspectors from Peterson AFB, Colo., said the Sharks performed exceptionally well. "This was a challenging inspection," said Colonel Adams referring to the addition of a Delta II Themis launch during the inspection. "You guys are on top of your game." During the inspection, IG observers presented coins to those they thought performed exceptionally well. He said they ran out of coins. "No one on this inspection team can remember when we have ever run out of coins," he remarked. After thanking Colonel Adams, presenting him with a 45th SW commander's coin and asking for audience input, Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th Space Wing commander, politely asked the IG team to leave. "The tribe has spoken," she announced, then added with a smile, "Please escort the IG team out. Thanks, but we're happy to see you go." Wing mascot Snark the Shark literally chased the AFSPC IG team out of the theater. "I can't tell you how proud I am of what you've done," General Helms told the crowd. "In the process of getting ready for the inspection, you made yourself a better wing." During Phase I of the inspection, Weather, Safety and Launch/Range Operations were graded as "Outstanding." Phase I evaluation concentrated on mission readiness, deployment capabilities and force protection. Phase II evaluations focused on employment during deployed contingency operations. Deployed Chaplain services and Public Affairs were recognized as "Outstanding" in the mission support portion of Phase II. The Mission Continuation, Restoration and Sustainment Team as well as the Response Team scored "Outstanding" in the ability to survive and operate (ATSO) portion. Twenty-eight personnel were recognized as "Outstanding Performers" and presented with an AFSPC IG coin at the Base Theater and will receive certificates at a later date. Twenty-two teams were recognized as "Professional Teams." General Helms recognized the 45th SW IG and those who participated in support roles before releasing the Sharks to a post-ORI party at The Tides. "I'm proud of what you have done and I know there is no better wing in Space Command," she said. "I'll see you at The Tides."