JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 89th Airlift Wing integrated 316th Wing airfield operations units July 16 in an effort aimed at streamlining operations for both wings and their corresponding units.
"It is an honor to bring into the SAM FOX fold critical airfield and protocol capabilities," said Col. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, 89th Airlift Wing commander, during the integration ceremony. "There is no more visible support team on this base than this one. [The 89 AW airfield operations team members] are the face of Andrews Air Force Base to literally thousands of our guests who come through the flightline to do business in our nation's capitol."
The mission functions that have transferred from the 316 WG to the 89 AW include airfield operations, weather, transient alert and flightline protocol. This change will not affect daily operations, nor will it hinder emergency response situations.
"Our goal is to improve our mission partner relationships and provide continued service that exceeds customer expectations," Colonel Van Ovost said.
For the majority of personnel, the change is visibly minimal. Their physical location will remain the same, as well as their mission and customers.
"The day to day operations in terms of my job and the customers that I support is unchanged," said Capt. Matthew Hopkins, 89th Airfield Operations Flight commander. "I have the same job in terms of what I owe to the airfield users, the airfield, my [relationship] with the flying community as well as airfield support agencies such as civil engineering and the tower."
All organizations that are key players in maintaining flightline operations, which previously fell under the 316 WG, will now report to a new chain of command.
In addition to streamlining operations, another reason for this changeover comes from the ability of Air Mobility Command to support the airfield operations units' needs.
"The logic that the Chief of Staff of the Air Force gave was that when it comes to airfield operations and weather, AMC has larger resources to be able to tap into [for resourcing necessary operations]," said Lt. Col. Armando Fiterre, 316th Operations Support Squadron commander.
As former members of the 316 WG grow accustomed to their new commander, they will continue to maintain the high standards in which they operate, and recognize this change as another part of military life.
"The biggest change for me is getting used to a new wing [in terms of] new expectations, new guidelines, new [procedures], and a new boss," said Captain Hopkins. "That happens in the Air Force regardless if you're staying in the same organization or you're changing from one organization to the next."