NORI to kick-off Sunday, Team Whiteman set to perform Published Oct. 7, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Air Combat Command Inspector General Team is on final. The team is scheduled to arrive early next week to conduct a base Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection, Airmen and mission-essential civilian members will be stepping it up, as NORI preparations require them to work on the Columbus Day holiday. A Total Force Integration effort, the scope of the NORI will include Active Duty and Guard members of the 131st Bomb Wing. The purpose of the inspection is to evaluate the unit's ability to manage nuclear resources and taskings. "This inspection is the culmination of many months of effort and perseverance by everyone on Team Whiteman," said Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "I am very proud of everyone's hard work and dedication in preparing for this inspection, now it's time to demonstrate for the inspectors...We are ready! "We will have a lot going on the next couple of weeks," the commander continued. "This inspection will allow the IG team to validate that we are responsible stewards of a critical strategic capability and a zero-defect mission. Days will be long, but I need everyone's continued focus and dedication. I have full faith in the abilities of each and every one you." Next Monday, normally the Columbus Day holiday as well as the weekend will be impacted by our inspection. The IG visit will not permit all of Team Whiteman to take these days off. Team Whiteman members must consider how this will affect them. Base agencies will provide limited services on Monday for base personnel preparing for the NORI. The child development center will be open with extended hours to provide child care for military members supporting the mission on Monday. The base clinic customer service area and pharmacy will be closed for routine services on Monday, but will offer sick-call by appointment for Airmen participating in the NORI. While the base legal office will be closed for routine services on Monday, legal will be on call for emergency assistance and can quickly respond to the needs of those preparing for the NORI. Furthermore, the base dining facility will honor normal hours, not holiday hours on Monday and the Touch and Go will be open 24/7 throughout the inspection. All base agencies will resume normal operations and hours on Tuesday and throughout the inspection. As the NORI revs up, Team Whiteman members are asked to be aware of the ongoing inspection. Make note that many may be asked to show their ID, park further away from their duty locations and other security practices as Force Protection measures change during the inspection. "Exercises and inspections alike are opportunities for the entire wing - active duty, retired, dependents, civilians and contractors alike - to show their commitment to our national mission," said General Wheeler. "I ask for your continued support as we host the ACC IG Team."