JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.-- -- Though it was his first visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, as a self-proclaimed “Kennewick boy,” it was a bit like coming home for Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Bence, commander, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., as he spent Monday through Friday touring parts of JBLM, getting briefed on various operations and upcoming projects for the 627th Air Base Group and talking with service members and leadership on the base.
The visit to JBLM was one of several visits to installations and joint bases with units under his command. Bence, a Washington State University graduate, took command in August of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center. His command includes nine units in 25 countries, including four commands at joint-base installations in the United States — one of which is JBLM. He intends to visit each of those units before the end of the year, he said.
While at JBLM, Bence was accompanied by his command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Larry C. Williams, along with both of their wives. After spending a few days visiting with service members and leaders, Bence said he was impressed.
“I’m impressed with the relationships and partnerships, regardless of branch of service,” he said. “We’re only six years into joint-basing, and there are a lot of challenges, but it is going well.”
Williams said coming to JBLM was a “great opportunity to learn,” adding that JBLM is an example of Soldiers and Airmen working together and offers insight into how that can make for better service members.
Bence and Williams led an all-call at the McChord Field Theater Wednesday, where they not only shared about military educational opportunities and the importance of staying true to Air Force core values of integrity, service and excellence, but also answered questions of Airmen. They also told the Airmen they can text additional questions directly to the center at 609-864-5556.
“We’re here for you; we’re here for you,” Bence told the Airmen.
One highlight of the week was a briefing Bence and Williams attended on McChord Field Wednesday concerning planning for Mobility Guardian — a first of its kind, two-week, multinational, multiservice, real-world, scenario-driven exercise, scheduled for August at JBLM.
The exercise will simulate a disaster and is expected to challenge participants to hone their skills, executing core capabilities — airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation and en route mobility support. The event will be attended by various branches of U.S. armed forces and members from eight other countries.
Colonel Leonard J. Kosinski, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, said Mobility Guardian will be much more intense than typical exercises on base. “The previous Rodeo was more who’s the best at landing and who’s the very best,” he said.
“This exercise is about exactly how we would fight a war or a disaster simulation.”
During the briefing Wednesday, Bence asked how he and Williams could help and also gave praise for those planning the exercise.
“I would expect nothing less from the 627th side of the house,” Bence said. “Keep it up.”