Command Corner: May 2

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven Harrison
  • 436th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --   First and foremost, let me thank you all for your fantastic work during last week's fly-away exercise. Over the course of seven days, more than 750 members of the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings joined forces to deploy as the 805th Air Expeditionary Wing to Alpena, Mich. 

They demonstrated their abilities to stand up warfighting functions, employ forces in a hostile environment, and redeploy in a timely fashion ... all items we'll need to be able to perform flawlessly for the operational readiness inspection in July. 

As expected, we had strengths and weaknesses. The deployed team was generally excellent, but our "get out of town" efforts require more work. Most significantly, we need every member of the team to take responsibility for being entirely ready to deploy in terms of supplies, equipment, medical readiness, documentation, dog tags ... every detail covered. 

When you arrive at the Personnel Deployment Function "almost ready." it's too late. Likewise, squadron leaders at all levels must ensure that their processes are prepared, tested, and ready to execute. We've gotten much better in just a few short months ... but we need to be much better still if we are to maintain the standards of excellence that have become the trademarks of Team Dover! Toward that end, we'll exercise again May 19-22. 

Speaking of standards of excellence, this week is "installment three" on my report to you regarding expenditure of our award money for winning the 2008 Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence. 

Over the last two weeks, I've responded to your recommendations, and have agreed to cover items totaling $617,000 in quality-of-life improvements. This week, I'll focus on those inputs associated with the dormitories.
    1. Suggestion: "Renovate dorms 401 and 402; alleviate the issues with the laundry facilities."
      1. Response: I agree that dorms 401 and 402 need attention. While your recommendation is well beyond the scope of these funds, we are working a three-part plan using separate funds. First, we will construct a new "quad 4" dorm. In this dorm, four airmen will share a common living, eating and laundry facility, but will have their own rooms (including toilet and bath/shower). Construction begins in 2009 and is expected to take 18-24 months. Tentative plans (pending expected funding) are to simultaneously renovate dorm 402. Design work is currently underway and we hope to begin construction work on dorm 402 the summer of 2009. Upon completion of our new dorm, we will demolish dorm 401.
    2. Suggestion: Renovate the game room in the bowling center; replace broken game machines and create nicer seating/TV area.
      1. Response: Good idea. However, I'd like to take it a step further and develop this into a world-class entertainment area targeted to our dorm Airmen...a place where they can hang out, eat a pizza, play on an XBOX or Wii, shoot pool or darts, watch a movie, etc. I've asked Chief Master Sergeant John Wood, 436th AW Command Chief to engage the dorm councils in order to gain their participation in creating an appropriate facility ... and then work with the 436th Services Squadron and 436th Civil Engineer Squadron to make it a reality. Tentative estimate: $200,000.
    3. Suggestion: Allocate funds to dorm and Airmen's Councils; facilitate projects that each organization has undertaken.
      1. Response: These are private organizations and, therefore, cannot receive government funds. However, we are working hard to re-invigorate and support these organizations and I believe we are already seeing a significant improvement in the quality of our dorm environment.
    4. Suggestion: Construct a centralized gazebo/Bar-B-Q pit/basketball court/volleyball court for the new dorms.
      1. Response: Good idea. I've approved the initial concept and directed the 436 AW Command Chief to work with the dorm councils and 436th CES for a plan that includes some combination of the amenities you've asked for, but also focuses on prudent use of our funds. Expected start date is early 2009, but we are trying to accelerate this project. Cost: approx. $200,000.
    5. Suggestion: Free WiFi for the entire base.
      1. Response: As a matter of fact, we've looked at this very hard. Unfortunately, I've concluded that all present options are not feasible either due to AF network security, limited commercial technology, or cost. Thanks for thinking big and "outside the box!"
    6. Suggestion: Implement shuttle service on base.
      1. Response: The money we've been awarded is for 2008. A shuttle service would require annual expenditures in manpower and/or money that we don't have. We have explored a number of alternatives, to include a ZIPCAR contract (a pool of cars that airmen could rent by the hour) without success. We haven't given up, but we don't have an answer. Having said that, there is existing bus service from the base to Dover as well as Camden-Wyoming. Depending on your destination, fares are as low as $1. The 436th SVS has maps, routes and schedules.
    7. Suggestion: Construct a patio onto the Eagle's Net.
      1. Response: The Eagle's Net is a great facility for our Airmen. But given its location and the associated space issues, I need a solid feasibility study before moving forward. I've tasked this to the 436th Mission Support Group to work in conjunction with the Chaplain.
Next week I'll provide the fourth and final report on how we are spending the money you earned by being the best base in the best Air Force on the planet! 

Investing in quality of life for the total force team ... one more reason Team Dover is "America's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team!"