JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darrell Jones outlined his priorities and addressed the role of AFDW within the National Capital Region at a packed Commander's Call held Jan. 29 at the Andrews community center.
According to the general, the command's top priorities include oversight of the new buildings that are under construction here as part of the Base Re-alignment and Closure process; replacing a runway on the flightline; ensuring a smooth joint base transition for Bolling, D.C.; and continuing to support communications within the NCR.
According to General Jones AFDW also plays a vital role in ensuring the security of the NCR. "When there is a National Special Security Event, we move in as the Air Force lead in the NCR and activate the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing," the general said.
Major changes are also in store for AFDW's reporting wings, the general said. General Jones believes it is important to ensure a timely and efficient movement of the 11th Wing's mission from Bolling to Andrews. The newly formed 11th Operations Group will take over the remaining Air Force assets at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. The importance of this shift in AFDW's reporting units is reflected in its place on the new "top 10" priorities.
General Jones presented awards to AFDW Airmen for their dedicated service to the Air Force. Senior Master Sgt. William Ewing earned a Bronze Star for his lifesaving work while assigned as flight chief of the Air Force's only company-sized explosive ordnance disposal unit in the Multi-National Southern Division in Iraq. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Orbits, AFDW safety member, earned a Meritorious Service Medal; Staff Sgt. Laprecia Williams, AFDW A/1, earned an Air Force Commendation Medal; and Capt. Ty Christian, AFDW A/7, earned a Joint Service Commendation Medal.
AFDW wrapped up the Combined Federal Campaign with almost $313,000 in donations for various charities, according to the general, who gave 21 Airmen from Bolling and Andrews certificates for their organization and facilitation of the Combined Federal Campaign.
Several AFDW Airmen had questions for the commander, ranging from the likelihood of expanding exercise facilities, to whether or not to continue the AFDW golf tournaments. General Jones explained, that golf tournaments will continue because "Even if we take a day to decompress, I know that the next day I can expect peak performance from everyone." The general also reminded those in attendance that base fitness centers on Andrews and Bolling underwent renovations recently.
The new Air Force fitness standards, which were implemented Jan. 10, received special attention. Before taking command of AFDW, General Jones assisted in crafting the new Air Force standards and he was able to shed some insight into the reasoning behind the PT alterations. "These new standards are designed to increase the health benefits that Airmen can reap by staying in shape. We've targeted the workouts that lead to better health," he said.
General Jones spoke about the continuing importance of AFDW as it faces the challenges of a new decade.
"This is a great mission and it's also a truly no-fail mission," he said. "I hope everyone is truly enjoying the work they do to support the Air Force. If you're having more bad days than good days, then I want to know."