Commander's Call emphasizes wingmanship, readiness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Wing commander stressed the importance of wingmanship and readiness, while also expressing his continued appreciation for the Holloman Airmen during two Commander's Calls Nov. 1.

During the gathering, Col. David Krumm lauded Team Holloman for the numerous missions they've accomplished in the past few years including the successful bed down of the F-22 Raptor and the recent immersion into the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Formal Training Unit.

"We've bedded down three major weapons systems in two years," said Colonel Krumm to the large crowd. "Normally, if you can bed down one in two years, you've accomplished something amazing; three is unheard of."

He also recognized the 49th Materiel Maintenance Group's Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources Base, for their notable support in the surge of Afghanistan, and their sustained commitment to provide material, equipment and support whenever they're called.

"Wherever the world is in need, America usually calls on BEAR Base," said the commander. "They've stayed focused on the mission and the rest of the wing is not at all behind, but really in the front supporting today's fight."

He then noted that Holloman has one of the lowest reclama rates for deployments; a feat he called "absolutely phenomenal."

"They know that when they call, not only will we respond, but we'll respond with some of the best Airmen in the world," said Colonel Krumm. "These are all accomplishments you can all be proud of. You've done so very much ... you guys are making it happen."

In spite of all the great work, however, he said he's been seeing "cracks of the armor" through the number of incidents on base lately.

Colonel Krumm said all members of Team Holloman -- Airmen and civilian -- need to remain vigilant and focused on themselves and one another.

"Here's my charge to you: I need you to be engaged. Number one: With yourself. Know yourself and what your limits are and if you need help, get help," he said in an earnest tone. "The other thing I need is for you to look around at your coworkers and your friends and be engaged with them. If there's something going on, I need you to be proactive, look them in the eye and get them help."

He added that the three most regretful words someone can have in their vocabulary are "I should have."

"Know where to turn to for help. Chaplains, Mental Health, the Airman and Family Readiness Center; all those are resources we have for you to get confidential help," said the commander.

In addition to staying focus on one another, he stressed staying focused on the mission.

The 49th Wing's next Operational Readiness Inspection is approaching and Colonel Krumm said attention to detail is crucial in the coming months.

"My dad used to tell me when I was growing up ... 'Sometimes you've got to slow down to speed up.' Slowing down to do it right the first time; to follow the processes; to double check your work; to make sure you are qualified to do the task is important because in the end, it will be more efficient and faster than if you take shortcuts and we lose someone, we hurt someone or we lose a piece of equipment," said Colonel Krumm. "We need that focus."

The upcoming ORI is slated for April 2011 and will be the first major inspection since 2004, he said. It will test the 49th Wing's ability to support a major combat operation in very short notice and each unit will play a role in the assessment.

"This is going to require a different mindset and everyone has got to be all in," said Colonel Krumm. "It doesn't matter if you're with the RPAs, security forces, LRS or BEAR base; This base, this team is what does an ORI. Every piece of the puzzle counts. You count. One small action or inaction can make a difference."

Colonel Krumm said that for the next six months, Team Holloman will be participating in multiple exercises to "sharpen the sword" for the ORI.

"This practice will help us stay focused on our day-to-day mission and it will help us on our focus if we get called upon," he said. "We have to prove to them that we are ready."

He summed up the Commander's Call with his expectations for the members of 49th Wing and reminded the crowd that it is the people of Holloman who make the mission happen.

"Be proud of yourself. Be proud of what you do, but know that you have to be engaged with yourself. Know your limits. Be engaged with your brother and sister Airmen," Colonel Krumm said. "I need you to bring it strong to the ORI. This is what it means to be in the big leagues. We're going to bring F-22s, BEAR base and the support that goes with it anyplace, anytime."