ACC/IG visits CAFB, gives UCI advice

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The inspector general for Air Combat Command visited Columbus Air Force Base here Feb. 16 through Feb. 18 to congratulate the newest graduating class of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training and see the base and local area.

What Brig. Gen. Jay Silveria said that unlike the fake smiles he sometimes gets when visiting a base, he could tell CAFB was honestly very happy to welcome him. Though he suspected it was partially to get a few hints on an inspector general's view of the base for the upcoming Unit Compliance inspection.

General Silveria had a few tips in mind, and was happy to share them. To start he suggested getting into the books, and reading the original documents. He made sure to point out that going beyond the Air Force Instructions into the supplements and Operating Instructions is required to get a full view of how to do things right.

Unit pride and enthusiasm can say a lot, and proudly showing off programs is important General Silveria said.

"I'm a professional inspector and I lead teams around ACC (Air Combat Command)," said General Silveria. "When you show up and someone's proud of what they do, that they do things right and they're enthusiastic, it goes an awful long way."

To the many about to see their first UCI, General Silveria made sure to emphasize that inspections are a good thing and not to be afraid of the UCI. He said to be glad that the Air Force takes both the time and the resources to review bases from a third party view and avoid mistakes.

During his visit General Silveria also got to take a new look at the Air Force's pilot training program, as well as test out the T-6 Texan for the first time. General Silveria's first assignment was as an undergraduate instructor pilot in the T-37 Tweet, the predecessor to the T-6.

"I was a primary trainer in the T-37 and admittedly was skeptical of going from a twin engine jet to a single engine prop, but I'm a believer and a supporter now, it's a great airplane."

The plane wasn't the only thing that impressed the general.

"I left AETC over 20 years ago, and I haven't been back since. To come back now, I was impressed," said General Silveria. "I was impressed with the base, with the mission and there's no doubt that the making of our pilots is in great hands. I couldn't feel better about what AETC and Columbus are doing in the Air Force."