Fairchild combines wing functions to streamline operations

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jason McCree
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFPN) --  Members of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing opened the doors Aug. 29 to a facility responsible for three key functions for Fairchild Air Force Base's expeditionary success.

The Expeditionary Airmen's Center of Excellence will synergize the 92nd ARW's Air Expeditionary Force, Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, and Total Force integration.

"This center of excellence promises to help us operate more efficiently and effectively as a 21st century mobility wing," said Col. Scott Hanson, 92nd ARW commander.

Although the Total Force integration cell and the AFSO 21 office will soon function within the facility, the Air Expeditionary Force cell, which brings deployment experts under one roof, became initially operational Aug. 29, a day ahead of schedule.

AEF cell staff members have already processed its first deploying Airmen. By consolidating various deployment experts, the cell is reducing non-value added steps to minimize the time necessary to complete pre- and post-deployment requirements, giving deploying Airmen more time to spend tending to their personal lives, and with their families.

"The idea of a one-stop-shop makes a lot of sense, but we still have a ways to go," said Colonel Hanson. "Envision a (chief executive officer) wearing a hard hat with a blueprint walking through a new headquarters building -- this is where we are now. Once we're totally up and running, there is limitless potential."

To continue expanding on efficiencies for the AEF cell, the AFSO 21 office will also be located in the Expeditionary Airmen's Center of Excellence. AFSO 21 office members will be looking for techniques Airmen, civilians and contractors can use across Fairchild AFB to eliminate wasted effort.

In addition to the impact AFSO 21 has made to the success of the AEF Cell, its staff will also contribute to the stand-up of the Total Force integration cell, which is responsible for preparing the wing to maintain peak operational readiness once the Washington Air National Guard's 141st ARW associates with the 92nd ARW.

The AFSO 21 Office and TFI Cell staffs have teamed up to consider opportunities for more efficient operations as a 21st century mobility wing, and to keep in line with Air Force efforts of Total Force integration.

By having the guidance of AFSO 21 experts so close, the TFI cell will be able to improve efficiency and productivity, said Lt. Col. Rob Boquist, TFI cell director.