Byers tours McConnell's 'three rocks'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina M. Brisbin
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FOREC BASE, Kan. --  On Jan. 6, the 2013 Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award assessment team landed in Wichita, Kan., and began their visit.

The CINC IE Award is a Department of Defense annual award given to the best installation in each military service along with a $1 million prize for quality of life improvements to the winning installations.

Over the course of two days, the team of four evaluators toured 67 groups, squadrons and agencies on base as part of their assessment of McConnell AFB to see how the base's resources are used.

Team one was comprised of Byers, team lead for the CINC IEA assessment team, Col. Ricky Rupp, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, Col. Mark Larson, 931st Air Refueling Group commander, Col. Mark Evans, 22nd Mission Support Group commander, Maj. Robert Liu, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron acting commander, and Stephen Matthews, 22nd CES deputy base civil engineer. The team toured more than 15 squadrons and sections including Building 1090, the air traffic control tower and outdoor recreation's Fam Camp.

The tour began with a video teleconference with Lt. Col. Jason Loschinskey, 22nd CES commander, who is currently deployed. Loschinskey explained McConnell's installation development plan.

"We make sure our facilities are in the right place in the right time to properly support McConnell and the local community," he said.

From there he outlined the backbone of the tour with the "Three Big Rocks," which would be referenced throughout the visit.

Big Rock One deals with complete total force logistics consolidation. This involves the merger of the maintenance group and logistics readiness squadron functions for relocation in order for Building 1090 to be demolished.

Big Rock Two deals with maintaining airfield and mission viability.

"We focus on anything and everything having to do with the airfield," said Matthews. "We take care of all pavement and electrical systems."

Big Rock Three incorporates the optimization of administration, community and recreation environments.

Byers also learned about McConnell's sustainability efforts, fuel efficiency and hosing management programs.

"We are very pleased with being able to put our best foot forward," said Matthews. "It's amazing how talented our youngest Airmen are and the great ideas they're bringing to the table."

Results of the 2013 CINC IEA will be announced in the upcoming month