Renewed commitment to higher standards pays off on Eagle Wing

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven Harrison
  • 436th AW commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  What a dynamic time to be at Dover AFB! This week we initiated contracts for upgrading our runway, we are expanding the patient parking area at the medical clinic, the C-17 simulator is nearing completion, a new section of our privatized base housing opened for occupation, we met new milestones toward completion of our new state-of-the-art freight terminal, and we accomplished a host of other activities aimed at improving operations ranging from the veterinarian clinic to the Air Force's newest C-5 tail stand. Together, we are transforming the base, placing it on a stronger footing for the future, and enhancing our ability to accomplish the mission more effectively and efficiently.

Our Airmen are right in the thick of it. I've noticed members across the base wearing the new grey suede boots with their BDUs, readying themselves for the arrival of the new ABUs. They are identifying areas for improvement, and bringing them forward for redress via the Air Force's best AFSO21 continuous process improvement program. Individuals are taking ownership of their workplaces and finding ways to improve them.

We are advancing individual and organizational preparation for next year's Operational Readiness Inspection through exercises and training. Most importantly, we are working hard to ensure that the individuals to whom we entrust our lives, our standards, and our reputation as the world's finest fighting force are worthy of our trust and the nation's calling.

At my recent commander's calls, I asked individuals, wingmen, and supervisors for renewed commitment to higher standards of personal conduct. I also promised to do my part to facilitate and establish those higher standards, particularly with regard to underage and irresponsible drinking and illicit drug use. Since then, we've established roll call across the installation in order to ensure that all organizations (not just shift workers) are laying eyes on one another, while providing consistent forums for communication and formal mentoring opportunities.

I have directed more frequent random testing at the gates and other areas, and leadership at all levels has stepped forward with more aggressive testing in the workplace. And we've initiated proactive actions ranging from moral, health and welfare inspections in the dorms, establishing standard testing expectations from wing leadership, and returning those who have demonstrated they are not mature enough to live off base to the installation.

Our Air Force is an organization built on trust; the overwhelming majority of Team Dover honors this trust. Without exception, however, we must all know with confidence that the individuals we entrust to fly and fix our aircraft, deploy with us during wartime, and look after our families when we are away are steeped in the standards of integrity, service, and excellence that we expect and this nation deserves. With the aggressive actions mentioned above, we intend to demonstrate our resolve to meet those high callings, identify those who do not meet our standards, deter those at risk, and create a better living and working environment for all of us.

It's working--in the last week, four individuals have tested positive for illicit drugs and are being processed accordingly. I anticipate an initial spike as we establish expectations, implement associated programs, and remove bad actors. It's tough work, but it's a necessary step in our quest to create the World's Preeminent Expeditionary Airlift Team!

I would like to thank commanders, first sergeants, and supervisors at all levels for the tremendous work, dedication, and commitment that they volunteer day in and day out on behalf of our fabulous Airmen. Every day I am inundated with stories of wingmen taking care of one another, overcoming mission and life challenges, and defining mission excellence.

No one has done more to make this a reality than Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett and his wife Suzie. As command chief, Chief Blodgett has been an advisor, a mentor, and role model for first term Airmen, NCOs, and two wing commanders. Always with a focus on what is best for Dover's Airmen, Chief Blodgett has given tirelessly of his time, his energy and his heart. On behalf of Team Dover, I'd like to wish the chief and Ms. Suzie a fond farewell, heartfelt thanks, and good luck as they move to Travis Air Force Base, Calif. and the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force. Thanks for making Team Dover such a world class fighting force!