USAFEC command team tours joint installation

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  • U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The 627th Air Base Group hosted Maj. Gen. John Klein, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, Feb. 23, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. During the visit, unit leaders briefed the commander on measures they’re taking to ensure they can project, connect, maneuver and sustain the joint force.

After taking part in physical training alongside members of the 627th ABG, the commander received a briefing from members of the 627th Force Support Squadron. The 627th FSS team highlighted key measures they’re taking to ensure Airmen are mentally, physically, spiritually and socially prepared to compete and win in a high-end conflict.

“We’re reimagining how this space can be utilized,” said 1st Lt. Alexa Carroll, 627th FSS officer in charge of food services, during a briefing to the USAFEC commander about the service the 627th FSS provides to servicemembers at JB L-M. “We’re installing new seating that encourages connectedness, and designing an area that encourages Airmen to spend more time together so they can have better connection points with their wingmen.”

As the day progressed, the command team had the opportunity to engage with the host wing, the 62nd Airlift Wing, and observe how the 627th ABG supports more than 350 units that call the installation home.

“Seeing how the Airmen of the 627th ABG provide support to not only the 62nd Airlift Wing, but also to the 44,000 military members, 15,000 civilians and contract employees, and 55,000 family members that call the installation home, it’s obvious that the work they’re doing is ensuring the base is a joint power projection platform,” said Klein. “What these Airmen are doing here is focusing efforts on solidifying command relationships to ensure we are a lethal and ready force. They’re ensuring our enterprise can work closely with joint partners to explode into theater and set the stage for combatant commanders during a high-end fight.”

The effectiveness of the 627th ABG Airmen’s training was evident in the sentiments shared during a small Operation Allies Refuge recognition ceremony.

“I was still learning my job and an officer came into our unit deployment manager’s office and asked my supervisor and me if we would like to go on one of the missions,” said Senior Airman Kurtavius Jenkins, 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander’s support staff technician. “We met at our office before the sun came up and talked with the crew and Ravens we’d be working with before we headed out. In the moment I felt anxious and uneasy because I wasn't sure what would be waiting for us on the way there or on the ground at Hamid Karzai International Airport.”

Jenkins’ experience was an example of the 627th ABG turning their vision into action… “Integrated Airmen Guaranteeing Joint Combat Power Anytime, Anywhere!”