U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, command chief visit JBLM

  • Published
  • By Airman Charles Casner
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Leadership from the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center visited the 627th Air Base Group here, April 9-10.

During their visit, Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, USAF Expeditionary Center commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Anthony W. Green, USAF Expeditionary Center command chief, observed firsthand how the group’s unique mission and joint base location fits into the mission set of the Expeditionary Center.

“This is a major combat generating force, hub and location, which makes JBLM a unique strategic location” Camerer said.

The Expeditionary Center is the Air Force’s preeminent authority for expeditionary operations, training and education. The center provides direct oversight for the global air mobility en-route system, and installation support, and contingency response. One of the center’s eight units is the 627th ABG, which provides installation support for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, including the 62nd Airlift Wing and McChord Field.

“The 627th holds a special capability to not only get global power out the door,” Camerer said. “We also get to work hand in glove with the Army to be as prepared as possible. Whatever fight we do next, we’re all going to be there, so the more practice we have together the better off we are going to be.”

The 627th ABG is responsible for installation management, facility maintenance and construction, environmental protection, housing, emergency management, communication systems and security and law enforcement across the joint base.

Camerer and Green took note of the training and interaction between the 627th ABG and its U.S. Army counterparts at JBLM, highlighting joint operations. The 627th ABG directly interacts with the U.S. Army, enabling each branch to strengthen together and contribute combat-credible military forces to the Department of Defense.

“Across the board, in every squadron here in the 627th, there is a partnership with the Army,” Camerer said. “That provides the ability to learn how to do things maybe slightly different than historically or traditionally. Being able to have that experience will better prepare our Airmen for the joint fight in the future.”

Camerer, who was stationed at McChord from 2001 to 2004, was excited to come back to see how the base has changed and improved.

“What stood out for me, nearly everywhere we went, we saw some type of innovation that we haven’t seen before,” Camerer said. “The common thread in all of them is that it was generated by an Airman. It was their spirit to take initiative to make their workplace better. I do not see that everywhere.”

Both Camerer and Green were impressed by their visit to JBLM - the innovative ideas, courage shown by improving the processes and pride from the leadership level.

“I was impressed by every single person we got a chance to spend some time with,” Green said. “I’m very proud of being a part of this team and what they bring to our nation.”

Camerer said he appreciated visiting the 627th ABG and JBLM.

“We have been absolutely amazed with the Airmen and family members that we’ve been able to meet,” he said. “There’s so much happening at this base that is so good and encouraging. I look forward to the next time we visit.”