New 100th ARW commander continues 'Square D Way'

Photo By Staff Sgt. Preston Webb | U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., center right, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, addresses base topics of discussion during the 100th ARW staff meeting Aug. 28, 2013, on RAF Mildenhall, England. After taking command of the 100th ARW, Bibb made it clear he intends to maintain the high level of excellence which defines Team Mildenhall. Bibb believes the key to mission success is readiness as individual airmen, squadrons, and as a wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Webb/Released)  

RAF MILDENHALL, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

08.28.2013

Story by Airman 1st Class Preston Webb 

100th Air Refueling Wing   

RAF MILDENHALL, United Kingdom - Team Mildenhall welcomed the newest commander of the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Col. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., June 19, 2013, during a traditional change of command ceremony on RAF Mildenhall.

After a little more than two months behind the reigns of the 100th ARW, Bibb clearly outlined his strategy to maintain the high level of excellence which defines Team Mildenhall.

“The biggest gift I can give you is to come in and not take a right turn at Albuquerque,” Bibb said. “I respect the wing strategy that Col. [Christopher] Kulas established, and I like where it’s going.

“Our vision ‘Square D Way — Innovative, Cooperative, Effective’ captures the spirit of Team Mildenhall. The ‘Square D’ has become a unifying symbol for today’s Team Mildenhall members and the higher standard they hold themselves to.”

Bravery, valor and readiness for the fight enabled airmen of the 100th Bomb Group to carry out their missions during the World War II era. Their ultimate success provided a legacy that laid the groundwork for the 100th ARW.

“Carrying on the ‘Square D Way’ requires more than just knowing where it came from,” Bibb said. “‘Square D’ airmen must be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.”

The key to winning the fight, and subsequently living up to the legacy the 100th BG left behind, lies in expecting the unexpected, Bibb said. This means Airmen must constantly be searching for new and better ways to conduct operations, and they must stay ready to jump into the fight when called upon.

“A Chinese colonel wrote that America’s biggest weakness is its view of change. Instead of creating new ways to use the same equipment, we buy a faster jet, a bigger tank or an unsinkable ship,” Bibb said. “He surmised that America’s inability, or refusal, to think creatively would be its downfall.

“To secure our future we must be able to think creatively. We must do more than study Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century and Lean Thinking; we must encourage new ideas and be ready to implement them,” Bibb said. “Ironically, to fulfill the legacy of those who have gone before us, we must be willing to abandon our practices and processes of the past and search for new and better ways of conducting operations.”

The 100th ARW must do more than encourage creative thinking within its ranks. All its airmen need to be ready to join the fight at a moment’s notice.

“To be prepared to fight, as a wing, we have to be ready as squadrons, ready as shops and ready as individual airmen,” Bibb said. “Individual readiness is more than being able to get through the mobility line — we have to do more than meet the minimum standard. The most important aspect of readiness is in our attitude.”

During his first commander’s call with the 100th ARW, Bibb reminded airmen that small tasks can be just as important as large tasks, and if not performed can become a hindrance to readiness.

“Mow the grass — take care of your facilities often. If you see trash, pick up trash. Don’t let the little things pile up,” Bibb said. “That goes for administrative tasks too. Staying current with computer-based training and medical clearances may be tiring, but they pile up quickly if you don’t take care of them. Airmen should be able to focus on the mission, not a last-minute game of catch-up.”

If airmen are too busy focusing on themselves, they can’t help their Wingman — let alone their squadron — prepare for the fight. Airmen simply need to display the core values to be ready.

“Airmen with integrity don’t put off little day-to-day problems. They are Fit to Fight when the time comes,” Bibb said. “Airmen ensure their Wingmen are ready — even if that means putting in extra time to do so. Just like their predecessors, airmen of the Bloody Hundredth, Team Mildenhall airmen continue to perform their duties to the best of their ability.

“Airmen who embrace the ‘Square D Way,’ take great pride in their rich heritage. Those who have gone before us have, through their preparations and readiness, with a legacy of valor and courage, preserved our nation for future generations,” Bibb said. “Our legacy begins with our readiness for the fight.”

• Date Taken: 08.28.2013
• Date Posted: 09.06.2013 10:10
• Story ID: 113205
• Location: RAF MILDENHALL, SFK, GB