VCJCS visits JB MDL, promotes USAF EC student

Published Dec. 8, 2011
By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James A. Winnefeld visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Dec. 2 to speak with leadership about missions conducted here and to take part in a promotion ceremony.

Winnefeld was greeted upon his arrival at McGuire Field by Maj. Gen. Bill Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander; Col. John Wood, JB MDL and 87th Air Base Wing commander; and Col. Paul Murphy, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander.

His visit began with a mission brief in the distinguished visitor lounge at the McGuire Passenger Terminal. Murphy explained the strategic airlift and aerial refueling missions conducted here and how all branches of the military use the two major airfields at JB MDL.

Winnefeld then departed for the Dix side. The surrey passed by the newly-built Military and Family Support Center on the way. He was briefed on the complex situations and challenges JB MDL faces supporting all servicemembers and their families.

Marine Aircraft Group-49 Commander, Col. Chris Papaj, met Winnefeld at the MAG-49 hangar where he guided the admiral through the facility while discussing the Marine Corps' and Navy's flying missions at JB MDL.

The tour then moved to the Warrior Transition Unit, where Army leadership briefed the admiral on the mobilization, demobilization and training of Reserve and Guard personnel. Army Col. Mark Wilhite, Walson Medical Support Element commander, provided insight into the warrior care provided for returning Soldiers.

These brief tours allowed the vice chairman an opportunity to meet with joint base servicemembers and understand the complexity of the missions being conducted here.

"There's no better way to spend the morning than by visiting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines," said Winnefeld. "Being able to visit with all four services, including reserve, guard and active components at one place is proof of how we're operating as a truly joint team. The secret to our success has long been our people; and I was able to witness that first-hand today. I couldn't be more appreciative of the great work being done here at (JB MDL)."

The visit concluded at the EC, where Bender shared his vision of leveraging the potential synergies available on the joint base.

Winnefeld also took part in a promotion ceremony for now Lt. Col. Mona Alexander, USAF EC Advanced Study of Mobility Program student and class leader. Alexander was once a personal assistant to Winnefeld while he was commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.

Bender said he believed the visit from the vice chairman was a successful one which allowed the senior leader to see first-hand the wide variety of missions being conducted by all branches of the military.

"We were exceptionally honored to host Adm. Winnefeld at the joint base and Expeditionary Center," said Bender. "As we are charged with providing expeditionary Airmen and skill sets to combatant commanders across the globe regardless of service or mission, I was particularly pleased to have the chance to discuss this mission with one of our military's most senior members. He left impressed with the exceptional professionalism and dedication of not only the EC, but all the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians serving Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst."

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