The intent of the 316th Wing Honorary Commander Program is to engage, educate, and empower local, regional, and national community leaders to be unofficial spokespersons for the Department of the Air Force, Airmen, Space professionals, and their families. Known as "America’s Airfield," Joint Base Andrews pairs leadership with community members to bridge the gap between the military and the local community.

What to Expect

The program is designed to provide a "rotating cohort" experience, ensuring Honorary Commanders gain a comprehensive understanding of both operational and support missions across the base. Participants are paired with specific commanders and invited to participate in unit ceremonies, briefings, and quarterly base-wide engagements.

Benefits

• Mission Awareness: Gain deep insight into the 316th Wing, its mission partners, and the joint missions hosted at JBA.

• Networking: Build long-term partnerships with military commanders and other influential civic leaders.

• Engagement: Participate in exclusive tours, such as of the 1st Helicopter Squadron or the 89th Airlift Wing.

• Recognition: Features in the Public Affairs monthly recognition program highlighting successful HC/CC partnerships.

Honorary Commander Vision:

To foster a supportive relationship with the community, increase military involvement in civic endeavors and organizations and make the members of the local community part of our Team Andrews family.

Honorary Commander Mission Statement:

The mission of the Honorary Commander Program is to tell our story through business, local government, educational environments and volunteering in the local community.

Joint Base Andrews Honorary Commander History:

Joint Base Andrews Honorary Commander Program was started by Brig. Gen. David Gray, commander of the 89th Air Wing from 2003-2005, and Mr. M.H. Jim Estepp, president, Andrews Business and Community Alliance and president and CEO of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable. Now encompassing all of Joint Base Andrews, installation commanders have taken great strides to grow this program and increase its visibility in the community while establishing formal bonds with Andrews’ military affairs committee known as the Andrews Business and Community Alliance, as well establishing new relationships with a diversified group of other local civic leaders.

The Honorary Commander Program demonstrates our commitment to promoting and maintaining positive relations with our civilian counterparts in the surrounding communities and with civic and business leaders. The program’s objective is to show Joint Base Andrews’ support for the neighboring communities by creating a cross-flow of information between the military and civilian communities, and empowering civic leaders to become force multipliers who share the military story with their communities. The program allows community leaders the opportunity to witness the missions, programs, and operations of the military units at Joint Base Andrews firsthand, and the role Andrews plays in supporting the Department of Defense’s various missions and the nation’s defense.