JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., June 16, 2020 —
Ellen, Alexis and I are thrilled, and humbled, to be part of the Joint Base Andrews and 316th Wing team! Last week’s change of command was a special moment for me and my family and we are grateful for the warm welcome to JBA!
Both Ellen and I were previously stationed here and are fortunate to return during such a historic time for our Wing. My memories of JBA are full of wonderful experiences, friends and a culture of excellence. As I get settled in, I look forward to leading our Service members through any obstacle, learning how to best support our JBA mission partners’ vital missions and strengthening relationships with the surrounding community.
It is not lost on me that I am joining the team, as your installation commander, during unprecedented times. As I get spun up on the local conditions in the National Capital Region, I assure you that I’m committed to leading the installation through the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Maj. Gen. Rupp and his AFDW leadership team are fully engaged to provide the top cover we need to balance our health and safety, while ensuring we have a viable path forward so we can continue to accomplish this incredible mission.
In the upcoming weeks, I hope to have the opportunity to meet you, either virtually or in person. As we interact, you might wonder what I will change or what is important to me as the installation commander and 316th Wing commander? The answer is easy, I have no immediate plans to make major changes. Therefore, as I interact and learn from you, I will be carefully listening to you so I have a better understanding of JBA’s role, responsibilities and how I can help execute our mission and take care of people.
Initially, I will be guided by “4 Cs” of success. I will expand upon these in future conversations; however, I thought it was important for you to know the areas I will be focused on:
- Crushing the mission/combat ready (personal and installation resiliency)
- Caring for all people (military, Department of Defense civilians, families, retirees, etc.)
- Customer service that is world class!
- Community engagement that is internal and external to the installation
I am excited beyond words to have the privilege to serve you as commander of the 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews. I look forward to learning about your mission, how each of you perform your duties and how I can best serve you and your organizations. I can’t wait to meet you!