Joint Base Wings host, ‘impress’ 18th Air Force commander

Photo By Russell Meseroll | Staff Sgt. Kenneth Essick, 305th Operations Support Squadron, briefs Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander, during the general's visit here Feb. 15 and 16. Essick explained the cargo-handling training device he designed and built to enhance KC-10 Extender boom operator training. This device, which models what is found on the KC-10, enables Airmen to receive hands-on training away from the aircraft. The training, which can now be conducted in a classroom, minimizes ground time for the aircraft thus effectively increasing mission time.  

MCGUIRE, NJ, UNITED STATES

02.15.2012

Story by Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry 

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

MCGUIRE, N.J. - The 18th Air Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Feb. 15 and 16 to get a firsthand look at the various units and missions here.

Ramsay, who arrived from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., visited three of the command’s units here, including the 305th Air Mobility Wing, 621st Contingency Response Wing and the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force.

“I am extremely impressed with how the multiple branches of service and different Air Force components have come together to flesh out this joint-base concept,” said Ramsay.

This base is the first and only tri-service joint base and according to Ramsay its personnel have been instrumental to its success.

“I was consistently impressed by the positive attitude, professionalism and team spirit I encountered here,” said Ramsay. “There is an incredible synergy where everyone has come together in a positive way.”

JB MDL was formed as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Three former installations, Fort Dix, Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst and McGuire Air Force Base were combined to create JB MDL on Oct. 1, 2009. The joint base is now home to more than 80 mission partners, providing a wide range of capabilities including mobilization of troops and cargo, humanitarian relief and expeditionary training.

Ramsay, who was accompanied by 18th Air Force Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Williams, addressed both the 305th AMW and the 621st CRW at respective “all calls,” laying out his vision for the 18th Air Force.

Ramsay also recognized the accomplishments of JB MDL’s airmen, noting, “Whether it’s transporting fuel, cargo or personnel, we ensure others are able to accomplish their mission. It’s all about leadership. It’s all about smart people teaming together to get the mission done and to make sure this nation wins every time. The end result for the customer is seamless mission execution.”

Additionally, Ramsay noted that airmen in today’s Air Force are expected to go above and beyond the status quo so they might reach their true potential.

“One of the Air Force’s strong suits is that we recruit the best and we offer incredible training programs. We open the door so every airman can be the best at whatever rank they are at,” he said. “We ask every airman to embrace their commitment to the armed forces and to be as broad and as deep as they can. They should take advantage of every opportunity to make themselves more proficient and more valuable to the service.”

Ramsay has served the Air Force for nearly 30 years in a variety of leadership positions and has been the 18th Air Force commander since September.

The 18th Air Force is responsible for Air Mobility Command's worldwide operational mission. With more than 43,000 active-duty airmen and 1,300 airlift and air refueling aircraft, the 18th Air Force manages a streamlined organization that focuses the air mobility warfighting capability.

• Date Taken: 02.15.2012
• Date Posted: 02.24.2012 09:30
• Story ID: 84287
• Location: MCGUIRE, NJ, US