Wing completes environmental assessment

KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The 123rd Airlift Wing completed a week-long assessment of its environmental, safety and occupational health programs April 1, with all areas earning a score of "operational" from a team of National Guard Bureau auditors.

The rating means that some items were identified for improvement, but that the wing's overall programs are sound, according to Lt. Col. Deborah Hamrick, audit team chief.

"Everyone here was extremely helpful during our visit, and the audit showed that every section is working hard," Colonel Hamrick said. "It really does take a whole base to effectively manage these programs."

Auditors looked at compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations in the areas of environmental programs and management systems; occupational health; and ground, flight and weapons safety.

The audits -- formally known as ESOHCAMPs, for Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Programs -- occur every three years. They are designed to assess a wing's relevant programs, identify and track compliance issues, and offer recommendations for corrective actions if necessary, Colonel Hamrick said.

Phil Aschbacher, base environmental manager, said the audits are extremely helpful to wing leadership because they validate multiple management processes.

"It gives the commander a snapshot of where our environmental, occupational health and safety programs are," Mr. Aschbacher said.

Any issues noted by the auditors will be integrated into a management action plan that allows the wing to focus on process improvement, Colonel Hamrick said.

Auditors identified several functional areas for praise, including aircraft structural repair and the aerospace ground equipment shops, which had outstanding recording-keeping.

Tech. Sgt. Tracey Cordy also was recognized for her broad knowledge of pharmacy operations despite having only been in the job for six months.