JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
As Joint Base Andrews prepares to become the host of the 11th Wing Oct. 1, Col. Ken Rizer, 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander, chaired an off-site conference for military and civilian leaders from the 316th Wing and Bolling Air Force Base's 11th Operations Group at the prestigious Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
The express purpose of the off-site was to chart the way-ahead for the new 11th Wing.
"Where there is no vision..., the people perish," said Colonel Rizer. "We meet today to establish the vision, mission and goals for the new 11th Wing at Andrews - an entity that will combine the legendary heritage of 'The Chief's Own' with the proud distinction associated with 'The President's Base.'"
The U.S. Air Force Band, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, and Arlington National Cemetery Chaplaincy are the Air Force's and 11th Wing's ceremonial ambassadors, representing the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff at events, both solemn and celebratory, around the globe, hence Bolling Air Force Base's motto: "The Chief's Own."
Andrews Air Force Base, as the host base for the Air Force District of Washington and home of Air Force One, is considered by many to be the world's most recognizable Air Force base, and is often simply called "The President's Base."
The off-site agenda included core competency and issues/solutions briefings from the 316th Security Forces Squadron, Contracting Squadron, Civil Engineer Squadron, Force Support Squadron, Logistics Readiness Squadron, Comptroller Squadron, 1st Helicopter Squadron, Operational Support Squadron, and the Judge Advocate.
Following a history lesson from the Andrews base historian on the heritage of the 11th Wing, there were briefings from the 11th Operations Group, Air Force Band, Air Force Honor Guard and Arlington National Cemetery Chaplaincy.
The 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews vice commander emphasized the significance of this historic merger and the 11th Wing's transformation to a new, distinctive organization.
"We are working together with our partners at Bolling AFB and Naval Support Facility Anacostia to ensure a smooth mission movement," said Col. Lee dePalo, 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews vice commander. "Once the mission movement occurs, we look forward to continuing the proud legacy of the 11th Wing here at Joint Base Andrews and Bolling. I know all our Airmen will proudly carry on the heritage of three of the Air Force's most prestigious organizations - the Air Force Band, Air Force Honor Guard and Arlington Chaplaincy."
The critical day of briefings and brainstorming was highlighted by a friendly undertone of good-natured ribbing and camaraderie between the leaders of both the current and future 11th Wing. "Ready, willing and able" got a laugh as the proposed wing slogan, and though perhaps it will not turn out to be the colonel's top pick, at the end of the day he enthusiastically thanked all who participated in the event.
"Appreciate all the hard work at this off-site today," said Colonel Rizer. "You've done a fabulous job in representing what it is you do and what it will mean for Team Andrews to become 'The Chiefs Own.' It's pretty exciting to think we're bringing together these two great organizations under 'The Chief's Own' banner!"
Colonel Rizer will unveil the new 11th Wing's vision, mission and goals to the men and women of Team Andrews at the 316th Wing commander's call at the base theater today at 4 p.m.
"I want the people part of this process to say, 'I was there at the beginning,'" he said.