JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, AMC command chief, and their spouses, visited the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., on Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 2022.
Minihan spoke with 305th AMW Airmen about current and future changes, as well as various initiatives the 305 AMW teams are working on. He met with units that are implementing Air Force Force Generation, Multi-Capable Airmen, future concepts and other initiatives involving C-17 and KC-46 operations.
The AMC command team observed firsthand how the 305th AMW is aligning themselves with the AFFORGEN deployment model and MCA concept. Maintenance courses train MCA in port operations while McGuire Field is a testbed for Aerial Port of the Future and Flightline of the Future. Additionally, the wing is advancing AMC’s operational alignment with AFFORGEN through their KC-46 Employment Training and C-17 Tactics Advancement Course.
Not only do these initiatives bridge previous gaps between maintenance and operations, but they also extend into other wings on the installation. The 305 AMW integrates daily with the 87 Air Base Wing, 621 Contingency Response Wing, and their Reserve partners, the 514 Air Mobility Wing. Throughout the visit, teams showcased their partnerships and total force integration in both operations and maintenance.
“It takes everyone to make magic happen,” said Minihan. “There isn’t a better example of that than right here at JB MDL.”
Along with creating a more rapid, agile, and lethal force, the AMC command team witnessed how the 305th AMW is strengthening the resiliency and readiness of Airmen and their families. These initiatives include the True North program, which embeds a chaplain and chaplain’s assistant into the maintenance group.
“We need to be better about preparing for the storm,” said Kruzelnick. “And this is what it is. Preparing for what will happen.”
The AMC command team also recognized nine star performers from the 305th AMW during the visit. These Airmen were nominated by their respective supervisors for exceptional work and dedication.
“What you do is not underappreciated by us.” said Kruzelnick. “We appreciate what you do every day.”
Minihan concluded his visit with praise for the leaders, Airmen, initiatives, and dedication to people and mission found within the wing that he saw demonstrated throughout the visit.
“If I were to tell other wings what right looks like, it would be this. It would be the 305th” said Minihan.