Col. Finney: "Business as usual"

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs
  • 911th Airlift Wing
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  Col. James Finney, 911th Airlift Wing commander, began the February Unit Training Assembly with a Wing-wide commander's call. The intent was to brief personnel on the recent Force Structure announcement and its impact on the Wing.

Col. Finney addressed the Wing's Airmen about the Air Force's intent to first retire and transfer aircraft from the 911th in FY13, which ultimately ceases the Wings mission and will eventually lead to closing the base later that same year. The Air Force announced their Force Structure plans Feb. 3, 2012.

The Budget Control Act, which drove the closure announcement, was signed into law August 2011. The act calls for a reduction of approximately $500 billion in defense spending over the upcoming five year defense plan, of which a total of $50 billion in reductions comes from the Air Force, which includes Guard and Reserve Forces.

During the commander's call, Col. Finney stressed three important points; our people, the mission and our programs. He acknowledged that, "this process will be very stressful on all base personnel, but that we will all weather the storm as a family." All in attendance were urged to look out for one another, and were informed that leadership brought chaplains and counselors out to talk with those who need support and guidance during this time.

With an upcoming Air Expeditionary Force deployment, he stressed that now is not the time to pull back, but to remain committed to the mission and that the Wing would go out on top. He praised everyone for their excellence in the work that they do and their commitment to each other.

"It's important for each of you to continue with your training, remain proficient and that your programs and processes remain intact. Physical fitness, EPRs and OPRs all remain crucial components to career progression, whether it be here or elsewhere in the command," Col. Finney said.

Additionally, the commander also emphasized the importance of properly exercising Constitutional rights as uniformed service member. "I would never tell any of you to not have an opinion on the base's current situation, but that you go about voicing that opinion in the right way," he said. "Community meetings will be held and some of you may want to participate. Legislators can be contacted through phone calls or letters and I just want you to know that this can only be done during off-duty hours, off base and not in uniform."

Using a position on base or a military title violates Defense Department Directive 1344.10, which restricts certain political activities by DoD personnel. "Your voice can, should and will be heard, I just urge you to do it the right way," said Col. Finney.

Lastly, Col. Finney acknowledged information gaps and encouraged unit members to funnel their questions up through their chain-of-command. "I realize there are more questions than answers right now. Please pass those questions on to your leadership and I will run them up the chain-of-command to 22nd Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command," he said.

At the conclusion of the commander's call, Col. Finney offered a few words of encouragement and praise to the unit. "Today we are faced with great challenges, but in spite of these challenges it is still business as usual here. Talk to each other, stay safe and focused and know that I thank each and every one of you for the sacrifices you have made and for what you do," Col. Finney concluded.

For more information on future Force Structure announcements visit www.afrc.af.mil or www.af.mil.