Dover AFB is special

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Robert Butkovich
  • 9th Airlift Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  I have been fortunate to spend over three of the most rewarding and fun years of my career stationed at Dover Air Force Base. In that time, I have heard several times, "There is something special about Dover." Really... what is it all about?

I have to agree there is something unique about Dover. The city is a wonderful place, but that's just a piece of it. There is a synergy that exists at Dover AFB that is just not replicated anywhere else. While I don't think it's possible to put your finger on exactly what it is, I know we've all become accustomed to it.

Here at Dover AFB we experience amazing esprit de-coups. In each of our own squadrons and units, we share a strong camaraderie. It will hit you like a freight train if you are not careful. Just listen to the chants. "Super... Port, LRS... Ready to Roll," and the heartbeat from the 436th Medical Group. Yes, I am an operations guy and I know we don't have a chant, but I assure you the comradeship is very strong in our group. Dover's enthusiasm is so strong that it is shared across the base.

The enthusiasm starts with a smile and a "have a good day" from the Defenders manning their post, an assurance that our perimeter is secure. It flows down Atlantic Street where there always seems to be another construction project that's expanding or refining Dover's capabilities and improving its appearance. The energy carries over to the flight line where maintainers diligently make the final preparations to AMC's finest fleet of aircraft while Port Dawgs load countless pallets and cargo destined for points all around the globe. It continues through the Command Post with a call to the crew that says "You are alerted!" It bursts into activity in the flight kitchen where dozens of meals are prepared for the travelers awaiting their aircraft to depart.

All of Team Dover is a part of the synergy! We all have very high expectations for what we need to accomplish every day. Though often times it is difficult to see without taking a step back. We get lost in our daily tasks and responsibilities, and the overall big picture is blurred and easily forgotten. Take a moment and step back and you will see what I'm talking about. You will realize that everyone is a part of it.

Dover AFB's aerial port is the largest in the United States, and it is responsible for the majority of the cargo destined for Operation Enduring Freedom and countless other operations that support the United States interests. In the belly of the massive C-5M Super Galaxy and the capable C-17Globemaster III, considerable amounts of that cargo is delivered around the globe. The arrival of each dignified transfer is a frequent and sad reminder that Dover is home to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. AFMAO's mission is greatly venerated by all of us and serves as a clarifying reminder of our true purpose.

Put very simply our job is to deliver. Whatever it is... We deliver! In the spirit of loyalty and service to our great Nation, we deliver. I believe it is that essence, buried deep in the back of our mind that brings us all together. It creates a connection between us that we share the same sense of purpose. It makes what we do more than a way to make a living. It's the "something unique" that exists here at Dover AFB.

I don't believe you can identify precisely what is different about Dover. Undoubtedly, our commitment to service our nation and each other is a large part of what ties Team Dover together.