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USAF EC general revisits joint base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Maj. Gen. Frederick H. "Rick" Martin, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, recently spent two days with the 87th Air Base Wing during a tour of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 14 and 15, 2014.

After taking command of the EC in September 2013, Martin had the opportunity to tour the joint base, which was familiar territory to the former 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, and get an idea of how the installation ran as a whole as opposed to the prior three installations.

His latest tour, with Chief Master Sgt. Pete Stone, EC command chief, was to become more acquainted with the base after observing its missions being carried out throughout the past year.

"I come from a fairly extensive joint background and it helps me see where we can be more efficient as a joint base and blend the culture," said Martin. "To not have just an Air Force culture, or Army culture or Navy culture. When we deploy, we work in a joint culture, so why can't we live as a joint culture in garrison? There are things that need to stay service specific, especially when it comes to mission, but couldn't we have purple dentists."

The general not only visited 87th ABW units, but also several partner units to see how the joint base was functioning after his first year. He also explained how the EC training may see influences from the other services on base.

"We need to teach the joint perspective, as well as the service perspective," said Martin. "We need the best Airmen who know their craft. We're not trying to train the Army basics or the Navy basics, but we have to understand what they do, what they're all about. As we come off of Afghanistan, and fewer deployments for the near term, we have to capitalize on every exercise opportunity as a joint team."

Col. James Hodges, JB MDL and 87th ABW commander, accompanied the general throughout his visit.

"It's important to make the time and to have these two days with a two-star general and command chief at the next level to get their feedback and perspective," said Hodges. "It's a great opportunity to pull their wisdom, guidance and direction."

Meetings were held throughout the tour at various locations for the general and chief to learn more about unit missions.

"It was very important for Chief Stone and I to take some dedicated time to visit the 87th Air Base Wing and all of its leadership team and to see more of its mission," said the general. "We'd also like to give a big 'thank you' to the entire supporting cast who pulled off this visit. We couldn't be more sincere about that. You all do things so well, Chief Stone and I, and our spouses, we're very proud of you here at the joint base."