JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Past and present leaders of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst gathered on May 16, 2025, for the inaugural 2025 JB MDL Prior Leaders Summit designed to reflect on the installation’s evolving mission and to assess its past, current and future priorities. This summit brought together the past and present commanders and senior enlisted leaders of JB MDL to evaluate operational effectiveness, showcase the current mission and reflect on how the joint base has grown.
The day-long event served as a forum for strategic communication and reflection. Attendees engaged in candid discussions about the challenges and achievements that have shaped the joint base over the years. Former leaders provided valuable historical perspective, highlighting lessons learned and pivotal moments in JB MDL’s development as the Department of Defense’s only tri-service installation.
Current leadership presented a comprehensive overview of the base’s operational status, with particular emphasis on recent initiatives that bolster readiness and interoperability across service branches. A detailed assessment of strategic priorities was presented, ranging from personnel development to infrastructure modernization and force projection capabilities.
“I remember the early days of navigating the complexities of merging distinct service cultures into one unified mission,” said retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Grosso, the first JB MDL commander. “To see how far we’ve come, and to join with past and current leaders, was not only a privilege but a testament to the strength and resilience of the joint force concept.”
Participants also analyzed hurdles to strategic execution, including resource constraints, evolving mission requirements and the integration of emerging technologies. Leaders underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience, particularly in light of coming together as a joint base.
One of the highlights of the summit was a drone demonstration. Attendees observed state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems in action, showcasing the installation’s commitment to cutting-edge training and operational versatility. The past and present leaders were able to participate in this hands-on and get a feel for what it’s like to work with these drones.
Additionally, the summit featured an in-depth tour of the Medical Simulation Training Center. This facility, which provides realistic and high-fidelity medical training scenarios, impressed attendees with its innovative use of technology to prepare military medical personnel for real-world contingencies. This fully immersive simulation affects all senses and replicates what someone could potentially see, hear and smell on the battlefield.
“This summit was a vital opportunity to bridge generations of leadership and ensure continuity of purpose,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony Smith, current JB MDL and 87th Air Base Wing commander. “By learning from our past and understanding our present, we strengthen our foundation for the future.”
By the end of the summit, leaders departed with a renewed sense of purpose and shared vision for JB MDL’s trajectory. The collaborative environment fostered during the event underscored the joint base’s role as a linchpin of national defense and a model of inter-service cooperation.
As JB MDL continues to evolve, events like the Prior Leaders Summit ensure that its legacy of excellence is matched by an enduring commitment to innovation, readiness, and mission success.
Prior JB MDL Commanders and Command Chiefs who attended the summit were as follows: Retired Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso; Col. Wes Adams; Retired Col. Fred Thaden; Retired Col. James Hodges; Retired Col. Brian O’Connor; Retired CMSgt Phillip Robinson; Retired CMSgt Tony Jenkins; Retired CMSgt Lee Wofford; and Retired CMSgt Craig Poling.