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Fairchild center combines wing functions to streamline operations

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jason L. McCree
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE Wash. --  The 92nd Air Refueling Wing is opening the doors to a facility responsible for three functions key to ensuring Team Fairchild'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 be functioning within the facility soon, the Air Expeditionary Force Cell, which brings deployment experts under one roof, became initially operational on Tuesday - a day ahead of schedule.

Since it has been operating, the AEF Cell has already processed its first deploying Airman. 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 CEO 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. The AFSO 21 Office will be looking for techniques Airmen, civilians and contractors can use across Team Fairchild to eliminate wasted effort.

In addition to the impact AFSO 21 has made to the success of the AEF Cell, it will also contribute to the efficient 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 92 ARW.

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

"An advantage of placing the TFI Cell into the Expeditionary Airmen's Center of Excellence is that it will be co-located with the AFSO 21 Office," said Lt. Col. Rob Boquist, TFI Cell Director.

By having the expert guidance of AFSO 21 personnel so close at hand, the TFI Cell will be able to improve efficiency and productivity, said Colonel Boquist.