FTF set to leave lasting impression in Pacific theater

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • Air Force Print News
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  The Air Force broke ground last August for the first Pacific Air Forces C-17 Globemaster III squadron based outside the continental United States.

One year later, using the Future Total Force initiative with an eye toward the future, Hickam Air Force Base is building a strong foundation for a new way of operating strategically and tactically in the Pacific theater.

“This is a very exciting time,” said Lt. Col. Charles Darnell, deputy chief of the C-17 Program Integration Office here. “We are writing new guidance for two commands, and our primary objective is creating the most efficient relationship without the typical organizational boundaries.”

The Hickam integration is the first indication that this new relationship is already working, Colonel Darnell said. Within the PIO, active duty members and Air National Guard technicians are working together daily to forge partnerships among PACAF’s 15th Airlift Wing, the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th AW, Air Mobility Command and Air Force Materiel Command.

The Air Force plan to realign missions and organizations such as these is outlined in the Future Total Force concept. The concept’s aim is to strengthen the Air Force by enhancing synergy among active-duty, Guard and Reserve forces for more capable and efficient airpower.

“I believe that what we are doing at Hickam is a great example of how Future Total Force is working to form the template for strategic mobility organizing our Air Force in the future,” Colonel Darnell said.

That template includes accomplishments such as the first activation of a C-17 squadron from scratch, the first active-duty wing integrated with an Air National Guard associate unit, and the first Pacific Air Forces strategic airlift wing.

“We have a great group of professionals here that have worked hard to integrate Guard maintenance and supply Airmen into the new C-17 mission,” said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Yerxa, maintenance superintendent for the C-17 PIO. “Their hard work and experiences in the Pacific theater of operations is making Hickam’s transition to the C-17 almost seamless, and preparing us to be an even more viable asset for our Air Force and military senior leaders in the future.”

When the C-17 squadrons are fully manned and ready to go, they will have 589 Airmen from the Hawaii ANG and active duty working together.

“When the 535th is fully operational, we will be able to assist with things like tsunami relief and the war on terrorism throughout the Pacific theater,” said Maj. Dave Almand, director of operations for the 535th AS. “Team Hickam will be able to provide a forward-deployed footprint that will greatly enhance the capabilities of supporting Air Mobility Command and U.S. Pacific Command requirements.”

The base is scheduled to receive its first of eight new C-17s in January and the last aircraft in September. When that time comes, Colonel Darnell predicts smooth sailing for the PACAF and ANG squadrons.

“There have been no barriers between the Air National (Guardsmen) and active-duty Airmen,” Colonel Darnell said. “We are a shining example that Future Total Force is working and we will continue to work hard until we cut the ribbon and start flying missions that will lead our Air Force now and into the future.”