Keep the train on the tracks

  • Published
  • By Col. Jim Vechery
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  As we enter the summer months, one thing that is typical for a military organization is a Change of Command as new leaders step in to take the unit guidon from departing leaders who gave their all and performed well. This summer is no different for the 60th Air Mobility Wing and other units on Travis Air Force Base. We are in the midst of change where in the 60th alone, 12 Squadrons, 2 Groups, and our Vice Commander are changing out.

President John F. Kennedy once said, "Our liberty, too, is endangered if we pause for the passing moment, if we rest on our achievements, if we resist the pace of progress. For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future."

The most important part of weathering a Change of Command and the summer transition is "keeping the train on the tracks." This may seem like vague advice that has nothing to do with the world's greatest Air Force, but allow me to explain this analogy a bit. The global mission we perform every day is like a freight train running full speed down the tracks. It has a lot of momentum and every car (every squadron) is connected. When every car is working properly and carrying its load, the mobility machine is an incredible sight to behold. However, if one car derails, the whole train is affected and will come to a screeching halt.

Whether you are ready or not, we've already begun the transition as Team Travis' commanders and a multitude of others leave for new opportunities, while new commanders and Airmen join our Team Travis family. It has been said that change is inevitable. Perhaps this is truer in the military than anywhere else. People will come and go, but our challenging mission will not stop. Providing Air Power around the world is a 24/7/365 responsibility, and it cannot pause for a Change of Command or a change-out of personnel. The mission will not take a "time out" while we "spin up" the new members of our team.

A Change of Command produces unique challenges to an organization. Signature blocks will have to change, policy letters rewritten, official photos swapped, and so on. While there are certain "growing pains" that can be expected, it is important to lean on our compliance culture to help make the transition smooth. At the base of this culture are our core values; integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. This is our common denominator--it is a common language we all speak, regardless of rank, AFSC, or experience. Use this opportunity to re-cage your core values. Are you living up to them? Your Travis family depends on it to "keep the train on the tracks."

If you are transitioning this summer take time to prepare for a smooth handoff. Ensure your continuity products are updated, welcome your replacement, spend time getting them up to speed, and leave your job better than you found it. If you are not transitioning, be the rock of stability that is needed to stay on the tracks. Remember the train will keep rolling so we all need to ensure a seamless transition.

Your focus during this time is to keep the mission moving. Our commanders and Airmen, both outgoing and incoming, are looking to you to carry on the heritage of your unit's guidon. You play a vital role in the Travis mission; and it is this amazing Golden Bear Legacy of Excellence that will help ease the transition from one commander to the next as we continue to deliver Air Power around the globe.

Thanks to all those who are leaving the Team Travis family to head off to new challenges. Thank you for your dedicated service while part of our team--we wish you and your family all the best!