ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. –
As the 316th Wing prepares for a new commander and a new building, the wing may soon be preparing for another large change - deactivation and the new 11 WG standing up as the host wing at Joint Base Andrews.
Command of the 316 WG, the host unit of Joint Base Andrews, the premier joint base in the National Capital Region, is planning to merge with units from Naval Support Facility Anacostia - Bolling Air Force Base to become the 11th Wing.
"The 11 WG activation would transfer the Bolling Anacostia installation support mission to Navy units," said Glenn Garrison, 316th Mission Support Group deputy commander. "The remaining 11 WG missions would then move to Joint Base Andrews and Naval Air Facility Washington."
The 11 WG mission will differ from that of the 316 WG, in that it will grow to contain additional missions, and to enhance a mission the installation already encompasses.
"The movement of the 11 WG to Joint Base Andrews and inactivation of the 316 WG combines the 316 WG's host base mission with the 11 WG's world-wide and NCR support missions along with that of the Air Force Band and Honor Guard," said Mr. Garrison. "The AF Honor Guard and AF Band will continue to be located at NSF Anacostia -Bolling AFB as well as some worldwide and NCR support functions. Of significance, a new security forces group will be created and be located at Joint Base Andrews. The new security forces group should improve mission effectiveness, efficiency and continuity."
Though this merger plan is widely-known on all involved installations, it takes a back seat to the change from Andrews Air Force Base to become Joint Base Andrews.
"The mission movement of the 11 WG to Joint Base Andrews is still proposed," said Mr. Garrison. "It will not become official until the Organization Change Request is approved through the proper channels. The primary issue driving the mission movement is joint basing. Joint basing will have a much larger impact to the Bolling Airmen and tenants than mission movement."
The changeover of the 316 WG mission to that of the 11 WG will have minimal impact on members of all installations involved.
"To many Airmen the changeover will be transparent," said Mr. Garrison. "For Andrews, most Airmen will only notice a name change. For Airmen currently stationed at NSF Anacostia - Bolling AFB, very little will change as they will continue to work in their present location for the 11 WG."
Part of this minimal impact - change of location - will not be in the future for most Airmen.
There will be very little personnel movement between the installations and very few additional personnel gained, therefore, there will be minimal impact on Airmen from both installations, said Mr. Garrison. There will be no problems with this change, as Airmen are professionals and are used to working in changing environments.
The changeover will benefit all Airmen and installations involved in the end, emphasizing Joint Base Andrew's already high visibility throughout the Air Force and the world.
"It is a good match - consolidating the current 11 WG missions supporting NCR contingency response and combatant commands with expeditionary Airmen, and expanding our already high-visibility role for the USAF and Air Force leadership with 'Musical and Ceremonial Engagement,'" said Colonel Steven Shepro, 316 WG/installation commander. "No mention yet if we will be reflagged the 11 WG 'Chief's Own,' but Andrews would be the natural ambassador of the honor."