Mission accomplishment is superbly executed throughout Mighty Ninety

  • Published
  • By Col. Greg Tims
  • 90th Missile Wing commander
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. --  I hope everyone had a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend. While the weather may not have totally cooperated, I hope you had a chance to catch your breath.

It is important to be sure to carve our time with friends and family. But, I sincerely appreciate everyone doing it in a safe manner. We need everyone on this team. No one is more important than anyone else in this wing.

Speaking of safety, we have a very successful safety program, and this high standard does not come easy. It takes a very proactive safety office - which we have. It takes engaged leadership at all levels to ensure their folks not only are using sound operation-risk-management practices at work but in their daily lives as well. Another necessity of having such a superb safety record is a living and breathing wingman program. I have heard of many examples where peers have stepped up and ensured the right thing was done. Please continue to enjoy this summer, recharge your batteries and keep an eye on one another.

One thing that I need to highlight this week is the superb mission accomplishment that has been occurring on and off this base. One week before the 20th Air Force change of command, one of our distinguished visitors commented that while many civil engineer projects were being accomplished all over, the base looked fabulous. In fact, she said she had never been on an Air Force base where there is a complete absence of trash. She was right. She was on this base for two days, and I never saw any trash myself. And yet, the mission keeps rolling right alongside our many base improvement projects. Additionally, as we hosted the many distinguished visitors the last couple of weeks on this base, the mission continued on without missing a beat in the field.

I have never seen a weapon system cooperate as well as ours has this past year. While many will attribute it to luck, I don't see it that way. I contribute it to constantly "attacking" an aging system that needs continuous care and attention. This is a true testament to the men and women of the Mighty Ninety. Like I have said before, and I'll say it again, no matter what obstacles we face, we conquer them one at a time - very systematic, with focus and passion.

This past week, it seems I kept being greeted by Senior Airman Latasha Bell, 90th Security Forces Squadron, at the front gate. Very sharp and professional! Latasha, you set a great first impression for all those who enter the front gate. Talk about an optimistic attitude - well done Latasha!

Thomas Friedman wrote in his book, The World is Flat, "America's role in the world from its inception, has been to be the country that looks forward, not back." He states that some other countries joke about this optimistic attitude we carry and the fact we believe there is a solution to every problem. I think that attitude still permeates in many parts of our society.

I like his observation. Think about it from a micro sense. Have you ever been around a person who always lives in the past? Or a person who sees everything as a problem and can't see beyond their nose for potential solutions? I have met many of those types when I was growing up. Funny thing though, since joining the Air Force I have met only a few folks who fit this description. In my early Air Force days it seemed that all those who I "hung" around with had great attitudes and only saw obstacles that needed conquering. I like those Airmen who know that for us to continue down a path of success, we must be as strong as we possibly can, taking any and every challenge head on with an iron will.

I have one last tidbit to share with you from Mr. Friedman's book where he is speaking about organizational cultures. He writes, "When memories exceed dreams, the end is near." I'm glad we have don't have this issue here in the Mighty Ninety. We have a very aggressive mission and vision statement as well as a very solid and forward-leaning strategic plan.

While I enjoy recounting our 7-0 inspection record every now and then, I don't dwell on it. We are only as good as our last PRP notification, dispatch to the field, construction program, etc. Despite this fact, from my window, our future looks very, very bright.

Go Forth and Conquer!