JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (AFNS) -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst welcomed Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David A. Flosi when he visited the installation, May 23.
During the visit, total force Airmen briefed Flosi and explained how the joint base is preparing Airmen for Great Power Competition, from mission generation to mission completion. Airmen from the U.S. Expeditionary Operations School, 87th Air Base Wing, 621st Contingency Response Wing and 305th Air Mobility Wing participated and displayed how they have key mobilization, deployment, and sustainment functions needed to rapidly project the joint force to any global location.
“We are a unique joint base,” said Jeff Norway, 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer. “We have three active-duty wings, two reserve component wings under one umbrella for expeditionary support and a catalogue of capabilities that we can employ to support combatant commanders worldwide. With the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Atlantic Coast Strike Team here, we epitomize the joint warfighter.”
Flosi’s pledge of unwavering commitment to Airmen upon taking over as 20th CMSAF was evident throughout his visit. His focus remained on the Airmen as he engaged with them personally and was interested in knowing their stories and challenges.
This commitment was visible to Col. Bryan Raridon, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations School commandant, who looked on as a team of Airmen provided a demonstration to Flosi on the school’s mission.
“During the demonstration, he was asking questions about them and their roles and responsibilities at the school,” Raridon said. “He listened carefully and intently. It was clear his focus was on the Airmen.”
Following the demonstrations, Flosi attended the annual Parade of Wreaths memorial ceremony honoring all active-duty military and New Jersey State Police who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Service members from all branches of the armed services, retirees, family members and local police officers participated in the ceremony where more than 40 wreaths were placed as a tribute to our fallen heroes. In conclusion of his visit, Flosi attended the 12th Annual Air Advisor Memorial ceremony to honor air advisors who have fallen in the line of duty and to pay respects to the Gold Star Families in attendance.
“As the demands on our Air Force continue to grow, it is imperative we optimize our force to meet these rapidly evolving challenges,” Flosi said. “After observing the dedication and preparedness of our Airmen at JB MDL, I am confident in our ability to meet these challenges head-on.”
Previously, Flosi has stated how Airmen are serving in a time of consequence and that the need to modernize and equip the Air Force for the Great Power Competition is larger than ever. He emphasized how the Air Force and Airmen must always remain ready, willing, and able to deliver air power anytime, anywhere, while understanding the new domains of warfare that includes cyber, space and information.
“It was an honor to have Chief Flosi tour JB MDL with the leadership team and that so many of our total force Airmen had the opportunity to engage with him one-on-one,” said Col. Anthony Smith, JB MDL commander and the 87th ABW commander. “We take great pride in showcasing how the nation’s only tri-service joint base is ready to execute the mission effectively and efficiently.”
As the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force, Flosi has emphasized readiness as an area of focus for mission success. Speed is a key factor in preparing for the Great Power Competition with adversaries, and part of warfighting readiness includes foundational items such as health care, pay and compensation and childcare since quality of life impacts the ability to meet the mission. Flosi’s visit to JB MDL and his one-on-one interactions with Airmen allows Flosi to keep his pulse on their concerns. This in turn can be brought forward to the highest levels in order to generate positive change and improvements — a win-win scenario.