Command Corner: July 4

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven Harrison
  • 436 AW commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Happy Fourth of July! It's time once again to celebrate our nation's birthday! As people around the country host barbecues and parties, Team Dover will remain hard at work, saving lives, delivering freedom and defending the ideals we celebrate on this historic day. As you enjoy all the parades and fireworks this great holiday offers, please take a moment to reflect also on the many sacrifices made by our founding fathers in building our great nation, and on those patriots of all services who continue to extend our values around the world today. America is indeed a grand experiment and a continuing force for good in the world ... let's remember how lucky we are that Providence has allowed us to serve in her defense. 

In many ways Dover was, and continues to be, a cradle of American liberty. Caesar Rodney, a Dover native and original land owner of the ground on which Dover Air Force Base now resides, played a significant role in the establishment of our republic. When the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain, he cast the deciding vote that committed Delaware to the movement. And just as Caesar Rodney strode into Independence Hall to cast his lot with independence, after riding all night from Dover, Dover tails continue to deliver freedom to repressed and troubled people around the globe. What a great team and what a fantastic mission! 

We received our newest symbol of freedom on Tuesday when our ninth C-17 Globemaster III was delivered by Brigadier General Brian Meenan, Mobilization Assistant to Air Mobility Command's Director of Air, Space, and Information Operations. We are now only four planes away from receiving our full complement of 13 C-17s. Our C-17 and C-5 Galaxy fleet, in conjunction with our robust aerial port facility and a world-class support infrastructure, give Team Dover an unsurpassed capability to bestride the globe in support of America's national interests. 

In addition to a new aircraft, we received a new squadron this week as well. The 436th Dental Squadron was re-activated in a ceremony held at The Landings Club on Wednesday with Col. Jim Cocklin in command. Colonel Cocklin is currently dual-hatted as the 436th Medical Group acting commander as well and we greatly appreciate his, and his wife's, continued service. Before assuming command of the 436th DS, Col Cocklin transferred command of the 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron to Lt. Col. Peter Kovats. Welcome to Colonel Kovats and his family! 

With the long weekend it's important to keep safety in mind. You have all done a great job so far in the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign. Have fun, but please don't let your guard down ... you are too vital a part of Team Dover's critical mission! 

Celebrating the freedom we defend while enhancing our capabilities ... two more reasons Team Dover is "America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team!"