Proving you're the 'best'; some wing standouts Published Oct. 7, 2011 By Col. Lenny Richoux 6th Air Mobility Wing commander MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Have you ever heard me say that you're part of the best Air Mobility Wing on the face of the planet? Well you proved it again. The Defense Information Systems Agency evaluated the 6th Air Mobility Wing last week on our computer network systems during our Command Cyber Readiness Inspection. This was no drive-by snapshot either. The inspection team looked deep into the physical and virtual security of our systems for deficiencies and discrepancies. Their primary goal: make sure we're taking all necessary measures to effectively operate and protect the systems and networks we depend on for safe mission accomplishment. And you know what? We are! They gave our classified networks and systems a rating of "Excellent." Now that's huge, but it wasn't the best thing the inspectors told us. They also let us know they rated our unclassified networks and systems as "Outstanding." Wow! It's easy to take for granted the professionals who keep our networks and systems humming. If you ever find yourself leaning that way, though, try getting your mission done for just one day while fasting from all things IT. I guarantee you'll wake up from that cold-sweat nightmare screaming passionately, "nobody rocks 'till Comm rolls!" We proved last week that we can keep those indispensable systems safe from attack and exploitation thanks to the 6th Communications Squadron, led by Lt. Col. Samantha Ray, the Wing's Information Protection effort headed by Rob Cowart, and dozens of outstanding performers like our Wing Information Assurance Manager Pam Hartnagel, and Wing Emission Security Manager Staff Sgt. Liana Buck. More good news: our 6th Force Support Squadron's food service team recently exposed one of the secrets behind its talent for feeding us. It's definitely a challenge for the Diner's Reef Food Service Team to knock out more than 25,000 fantastic meals each month so human fuel tanks across the base are well satisfied. It's easier when you have talent like Senior Airman Nicole Ford on your team. She was recently part of the Aramark Culinary Excellence challenge, something a bit like you'd see on "Top Chef" or "Chopped." Based on her ACE performance, you may very well see her on one of those programs one day. She walked away as the winner among six competitors. Well done, Airman Ford! Finally, this week marks the close of a great Air Force career in service to our country. Some of you may still remember this senior leader from his days here as the commander of the 6th Operations Group. Lt. Gen. Rusty Findley, Air Mobility Command's vice commander, has taken his fini-flight after 35 years in blue. He's written a moving farewell commentary worth your time at www.amc.af.mil. Best wishes, General and Mrs. Findley. You'll always be welcome here. As always, I am proud to serve with all the men and women of the 6th in the finest Air Mobility Wing on the face of the planet!