Colonel joins joint base team

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The boxes were already packed and the movers were ready to go as Col. Shane Hershman, former 62nd Airlift Wing vice commander, and his family prepared for the move to McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.

But before departing on the 3,000 mile cross-country move, Colonel Hershman got the call from Air Mobility Command that he was staying put to take over a newly created position as the head of the Office of Primary Responsibility for Joint Base Lewis/McChord.

"It was completely unexpected, but I'm anxious for the challenge," Colonel Hershman said.

The colonel will head up a group that will work with the Army to set a course to make sure the Air Force's mission will not be impacted as the joint base process moves forward, he said.

"We want to make sure the transition is smooth for the Airmen, their families and everyone else who works on the base," Colonel Hershman said.

Colonel Hershman was chosen for the position because he is familiar with the mission, how the base operates and how each perceived change may impact the mission, he said.

"We're going to have to work through any issues that come up," Colonel Hershman said. "It's a big task, but it is doable. McChord and Fort Lewis have found common ground before and we just have to keep working to do it again."

One of Colonel Hershman's first matters of business will be attending a Department of Defense-sponsored joint basing conference at Fort Lewis on June 21. The conference will touch on how other bases have addressed any issues that have come up.

"There is no cookie cutter approach for each joint base situation," he said. "We're going to listen and see how other bases are working through their issues."