EC commander reacquaints to new job at old location

by Airman 1st Class Sean M. Crowe
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

10/4/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Maj. Gen. Frederick H. "Rick" Martin, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, toured Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2013, to familiarize himself with the 87th Air Base Wing and see how the wing provides installation support to the entire joint base.

The general, who served as the 305th Air Mobility Wing and McGuire Air Force Base commander from October 2005 to October 2007, said he gained insight to plans and programs he hopes will better serve and support the base's host wing and mission partners.

"My goal as the higher command on this base is to empower the host wing commander to do what he sees necessary to accomplish the mission," said Martin. "I saw a lot of interagency coordination and sister services working together during the tour and I would like to continue to see those partnerships arise and continue."

Martin contributed to the plans, programs and footwork that transitioned then McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix and Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station into JB MDL.

"It's great seeing the coordination I put forth as the previous commander come into effect here," said Martin. "Joint basing here has allowed us to garner what we've been given - a fresh insight into how other services do business. This insight and communication between services brings innovation and unique opportunities, ultimately, helping us create better efficiencies across services and agencies."

The EC shares ranges with the tenant Army units on base and also works with the Army units to train service members to deliver combat-ready Airmen to combatant commanders.

""The EC's mission is to train, exercise and enable expeditionary combat support forces around the world, and because of this we understand the importance of enabling our sister services," said Martin. "I believe air power is built from the ground up, starting with expeditionary service members who support air mobility wings."

The 87th Security Forces Squadron, which Martin toured on his first day, is an example of joint-service interoperability. Martin saw the new facilities and systems that allowed the squadron to coordinate with its counterparts across the joint base. Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers all have a common defense goal to work toward.

The tour afforded Martin the opportunity to further focus his strategic plans to support JB MDL, its tenant units and local community.

"There is a capability here, not only in the service branch diversity, but in the total-force aspect," said Martin. "The large varieties of active-duty, guard and reserve components that reside here make us a valuable asset for the military to draw upon."

Martin finished his visit with a trip to the 87th Air Base Wing Headquarters where he met some of the wing's service members and revisited an office he reminisced of planning and organizing the joint base structure.