ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
It's been a year since the 316th Wing officially stood up, June 22, 2006, as the host unit at Andrews.
When the 316 WG assumed installation responsibilities from the 89th Airlift Wing, it also accepted the responsibility to serve the Airmen, Sailors and their families assigned to Andrews; and to create and sustain an operational infrastructure to enable mission success for all Andrews-based wings and organizations.
The key mission areas of the 316 WG include providing contingency response capability within the National Capital Region; combat-ready Airmen to Air and Space Expeditionary Forces; and a secure and robust infrastructure to support Andrews Air Force Base organizations.
The Colonel Ackerley said he believes over the last year, the 316 WG has been successful in meeting those mission areas.
"I would say we have done what we've been tasked to do -- responding to our three mission areas," he said. "We are prepared and ready to respond to contingency operations in the National Capital Region, we have deployed combat ready Airmen to support the Global War on Terrorism, and through infrastructure improvement projects have taken a big step toward improving the work and living areas on Andrews."
The 316 WG has accomplished many notable achievements since June 22, 2006. Such achievements include the 2007 Joint Service Open House, reconstruction of three major gates, the Ford State Funeral and the bed down of the Air Force District of Washington headquarters within five months of tasking.
Many of the achievements were Team Andrews achievements. One example is the State Funeral for President Ford. Airmen and Sailors and every Andrews-based organization ensured success for both the arrival and departure ceremonies and other NCR activities.
For the 316 WG mission to be successful, leadership and teamwork are needed from everyone at Andrews, Colonel Ackerley said.
"Day-to-day success at Andrews doesn't happen without leadership from all levels and a Team Andrews approach to excellence where we help each other succeed," he said.
The 316 WG is actively working to improve the quality of life on Andrews.
The 316 WG was awarded more than $20 million at the end of Fiscal Year 2006 for facility and infrastructure improvements, Colonel Ackerley said. The wing has used that money to make critical base improvements.
"We've completed repairs to the runways and taxiways, roads on base, such as Brookley Avenue, the Maryland Road and Starkey Avenue, and repaired many roofs and other substandard facilities," he said.
The 316 WG has had many visible successes in its first year. Colonel Ackerley said that trend will continue in the coming year, and well into the future.
"Airmen will continue to hone their skills to support our three mission areas, and we will continue to improve our communication and partnership with tenant wings and organizations to better support the entire Andrews mission," he said.
The wing will be hosting an anniversary golf tournament today at 2:30 p.m. at The Courses at Andrews. Prices for members will be $10, and non-members will be $15.