52nd MXG one of the best in AF Published June 16, 2009 By Senior Airman Kali L. Gradishar 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- After a Logistical Standardization and Evaluation Program inspection of more than 700 items in a short amount of time, the 52nd Maintenance Group proved the hard work they put into their jobs was well worth it. The 52nd MXG can add their scores in the LSEP to the overall wing's positive reputation. "Not only are you the best fighter wing in (U.S. Armed Forces in Europe), which frankly is no surprise to me, but you guys are the number three fighter wing in the entire Air Force and that is unbelievable!" said Col. Lee "Tip" Wight, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. The 52nd MXG received an overall satisfactory rating with an 88.18 percent during the inspection, which lasted from June 8-12. The score emphasizes the every-day accomplishments of the group's Maintenance Standardization and Evaluation Program in place here. "Everything went exceptionally well during the inspection," said Col. John Morely, 52nd MXG commander. "Nothing is ever perfect, so no one will ever receive a 100 percent. Receiving a high 80 percent is a great thing and a reflection on the work maintenance Airmen are doing. This inspection validates our quality assurance program here, so we know we are doing things right." Three of the four maintenance squadrons received an inspection score of more than 90 percent, rated as an excellent or outstanding, and no squadron received an unsatisfactory rating. The LSEP involved over-the-shoulder personnel evaluations, follow-up quality verification inspections and other special inspections, according to the LSEP outbrief report. The LSEP team examined all compliance and programmatic areas as noted in Air Force Instruction 21-101, Aircraft and Maintenance Equipment Management. While this portion was not graded, observations were identified and recommendations given. "The LSEP mirrored the Maintenance Standardization and Evaluation Program. Our quality assurance is doing exactly what it should be doing - safe, reliable maintenance," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Carnicle, 52nd Fighter Wing quality assurance chief. "I think the LSEP team graded us fairly and to the same caliber as (the 52nd MXG) quality assurance inspectors inspect." The quality assurance inspectors are from a group of air force specialty codes within the maintenance career fields to include metals technicians, crew chiefs, avionics technicians and others. Within that group, those within the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received the most inspections during the LSEP. Almost 300 of 764 inspections were of items within the 52nd AMXS, taking a huge toll on the operations tempo within the unit. "The inspection lasted less than a week, and within that time frame we went through one month's worth of MSEP inspections," said the chief. "That's why it was so taxing on the maintenance group. While there are more than 700 inspections in one month through the MSEP, all of those were complete in about three and a half days." Even though the inspection is over, it is not time to take a break from producing quality work. "The biggest thing is to continue doing your job and never take shortcuts," Chief Carnicle advised.