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UCI is here again

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mindy Bloem
  • 147 Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  Preparation is often the key to success.

Olympians train. Thespians rehearse. Air Force personnel strategize.

In preparation for the upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection, Ellington is calling on its top go-to guys to spearhead the effort.

One such person is Chief Master Sgt. Tony Zinn. Chief Zinn, 147th Maintenance Group, is on a team of inspectors helping Ellington members get ready for the August UCI.

"I've been working closely with the [Plans and Program] officer, Lt. Col. Gary Jones," Chief Zinn said. "We're establishing and setting up programs, revising and updating programs that existed for past UCIs, and we're tracking discrepancies on an excel spreadsheet."

Colonel Jones and Chief Zinn are the main points of contacts in setting up checklists and disseminating UCI information to people who need it.

They are doing periodic inspections for units between now and August, ensuring everything is in place.

It's a lot of work, but Chief Zinn is used to it.

"I like doing this type of thing," the chief said. "That's what I do as an inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration on the civilian side. I like being able to go out and establish programs and assist people with their programs, and when they show discrepancies, I like to fix those findings."

This UCI will be Chief Zinn's last one at Ellington. After a 30-year military career, he plans to retire next November, but not before helping out with the inspection process one last time.

"The biggest thing people can do to prepare is to review their checklists and make sure they have the most current ones the ACC team will be using," said Chief Zinn. "Also, once you run through the checklist one time and have all of your programs up to speed, don't let it slide between now and August. Go back periodically to review those programs and run back through your checklist to make sure everything is still up to the same level that you've prepared for."

Chief Zinn doesn't find his job overwhelming, but instead relishes in the
sense of accomplishment he feels from a job well done.

"I get a lot of satisfaction knowing when the inspection team comes in, I had a hand in the positive outcomes," he said.

He also has complete confidence in his fellow Wing men and women.

"Everyone is doing pretty well - getting up to speed," the chief said. "There are some units doing better than others, but everybody seems to be coming up to speed."