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65th MSG: The Ammo for the Lajes Weapon System
Posted 12/6/2010 Updated 12/6/2010
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Commentary by Col. Arch Bruns
65th Mission Support Group commander
12/6/2010 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- On a regular basis, the Lajes Field runway has been referred to as the operational "weapon system" for this installation. Its with great pride, dedication, expertise and professionalism that all the Airmen of Lajes (military and civilian alike) maintain and demonstrate its effectiveness on a daily basis.
As the Mission Support Group Commander, I am particularly awestruck and amazed by how much the six MSG squadrons generate the runway's firepower, or in other words act as its proverbial ammunition. Each squadron utilizes a unique mechanism and support function that allows the runway to function and deliver "bombs on target". With the reader's indulgence, and while not meaning to lessen or belittle the contributions and importance of other 65 ABW units (all are critically important), I can't help myself and must call attention to the 'caliber' of the MSG Ammo.
Intricate facets of "ammo development" are meticulously worked by MSG professionals to ensure our weapons system is fully operational and prepared to keep us in the fight. Our recent Air Traffic System Evaluation Program (ATSEP) Inspection successfully demonstrated two aspects of that preparedness and we were recognized with an overall Excellent rating.
The 65th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) flexed its muscle through building and maintaining the airfield infrastructure...while the 65th Communications Squadron (CS) was equally strong and up to the task of maintaining the linkages between systems as well as for those that use them. Both units continue to hit the center of the target when it comes to fixing everything from Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) to busted water mains (for CES) and computer networks to phone connections (for CS).
For those that have noticed the re-paving project currently underway on our weapons system...a lot of credit must go to the sharpshooters from the 65th Contracting Squadron who helped spearhead this bilateral partnership investment. In addition, they've successfully processed numerous other examples of contracting expert marksmanship and Government Purchase Card oversight/management that will produce dividends for years to come.
Speaking of bilateral partnerships...the full-up-rounds from the 65th Security Forces Squadron, along with our Portuguese Air Force partners and Securitas contractors, prove their metal under fire each and every day by securing the weapons system and maintaining a safe environment in which we can all live and work. By proactively securing additional opportunities...to include deploying a Security Forces team in support of AFRICOM operations, they strive for SF excellence in all they do.
The fuels, logistics plans, supply and transportation experts in the 65th Logistical Readiness Squadron continue providing outstanding support to the weapon system...and somehow make it look easy. Maintaining the second largest fuels storage capacity in the U.S. Air Force, providing logistical firepower to all in need, and keeping a fleet of vehicles in tip/top operational shape are no small feats to accomplish.
These professional warriors also keep the mobility machine squarely in their sights and provide crucial deployment and readiness support for the entire wing.
Last, but certainly not least, are the quality of life fighter Aces from the 65th Force Support Squadron. These men and women provide outstanding support to every individual associated with the 65 ABW weapons system. The recent kickoff of the Winter Campaign and hosting of Armed Forces Entertainment are just a couple of examples of just how "deadly" accurate they can be supporting our weapon system community. Their incredible ability to administratively support, lodge, feed and entertain the masses is the best I've ever seen and is a testament to their "never give up...never surrender" spirit, tenacity and attitude.
I would also like to pass on a special acknowledgement to the professionals of DeCA, the Exchange, and DoDDs... whose efforts continually provide ballistic support to the Airmen of the 65 ABW. You are very much appreciated.
There are many aspects and functions that were not mentioned within this article which take place within the MSG (let alone the wing)...and my inability to mention them all by no means makes them any less important. The daily accomplishments achieved by the professional Airmen (that's with a big "A") of the MSG may sometimes go unnoticed...but never unappreciated...especially by yours truly. |
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