Working together to make JBER a success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3 rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  No ifs, ands or buts' about it - joint basing is our future, was the main point Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, Commander of Alaskan Command, was making to the attentive group at the Susitna Club on the morning of April 21. 

Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson have made unique approaches to the joint basing operation. Atkins said, "We've made a conserved effort to go out and gather lessons learned, so that we don't recreate the (mistakes) that could occur from integrating multiple services, but in fact have highlighted all the positive aspects and are trying to replicate the same kind of positive initiatives in our base efforts right here."
An enterprise team has been put into play to help achieve results for JBER. The team consists of 30 individuals, of which 15 are from Fort Richardson and the other 15 from Elmendorf AFB. 

These individuals are subject matter experts who will cover the full spectrum of combat service and service support, said Atkins. 

"It's allowed us to make sure we have got what we call the best of breed. So, we've kind of pulled from other joint base initiatives to make sure that we're integrating the best and kind of carving out the bad." said Atkins, "I have a high confidence level that we're gonna get this right." 

Atkins explained how the change should be transparent. On Oct. 1, 2010, we will be a fully operational joint base, and it should go unnoticed as if nothing happened. 

The only change that should be seen is a stronger bond between Soldiers and Airmen. In some areas, such as the first responders like the fire departments and security forces, will come together and advance personal and professional relationships, said Atkins. 

All in all, "Joint basing is for real, it's mandated by law, so we're not here to argue the merits of joint basing. What we are here to do is advance the fact that we have to produce a product that is supportive to our Soldiers, to our Airmen, to the families and to the civilian workforce," said Atkins.