692nd Intelligence Group’s “Setting the Pace”

By Capt. Christopher Cortez and 2nd Lt. William Brock
692nd IS
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii

The Memorial Theater was filled with the sounds of jubilation as the men and women of the 692nd Intelligence Group/Intelligence Support Squadron were informed of their overall “Excellent” rating from the Headquarters Air Intelligence Agency Inspector General team.

The AIA team concluded their two-week mission effectiveness inspection of the 692nd IG, Hickam AFB, with an outbrief in the base theater. The 692nd IG is the first group to receive an overall “Excellent” rating since AIA implemented their new MEI compliance criteria in March 1996.

Preparations for the inspection began in earnest when the unit was formally notified of the upcoming inspection in November 1998. All of their hard work paid off as program after program received excellent and strong satisfactory ratings.

Two programs, ground safety and status of resources and training system (SORTS), were recognized with AIA’s highest rating of “Outstanding.” Col. Steven Capenos, 692nd IG commander said, “These ratings are a validation to the superb work our people do out here in the Pacific everyday.”

Lt. Col. Gene Goff, 692nd ISS commander, concurred in full. “The folks in the 692nd are absolutely the best group of folks I’ve ever had the privilege of working with in more than 24 years of service.”

Additionally, a limited MEI was conducted at Air Force Technical Applications Center’s Detachment 419 from Feb. 16-19, 1999. The inspection team recognized the Det.’s tremendous esprit de corps and the high motivation and dedication of all the assigned personnel.

Overall, Det. 419 received an “Excellent” rating.

The HQ AIA Inspector General team gave special recognition to individuals from the 692nd IG and Det. 419 who they felt performed exceptionally well. The following individuals were presented the Professional Performer award: 1st Lt. Aaron Drake, Tech. Sgts. Charles Horton, Jr., Michael Paluba, Jr., Staff Sgts. Kamaka Ah Yo, John Cheesman, Scott Husted, Guy Matsubara, Senior Airmen LaShema Lewis, James Lilek, David Rafsky, and Airman 1st Class Mayra Munoz.