Dover community leaders participate in community relations tour

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashlin Federick
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  
Thirty-two civic leaders from Central Delaware joined base leaders on a community relations tour to Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, both in Arizona, Sept. 16-17, 2015.

CRTs are an Air Force community relations program that enables designated members of the local community to see installations other than Dover AFB and learn about different Air Force missions outside ofAir Mobility Command. Participants gain additional knowledge about the Air Force and can then share their experiences with others.
Civic leaders from Team Dover hand their luggage off to Airmen from the 436th Passenger Terminal, on Dover Air Force Base, Del., Sept. 16, 2015, prior to boarding a C-17 Globemaster III flight to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., as part of Dover AFB's 2015 community relations tour. CRTs are designed to engage local leaders from the Dover community with unique missions from different military bases outside of the Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)
A Team Dover C-17 Globemaster III flies above the east coast on the way to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2015. Community Relations Tours are designed to engage local leaders from the Dover community with unique missions from different military bases outside of the Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)
Civic leaders catch up on sleep during the six-hour C-17 Globemaster III flight from Dover Air Force Base, Del., to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Community Relation Tours are designed to engage local leaders from the Dover community with unique missions from different military bases outside of the Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)


Tom Banez, Delaware Department of Transportation program manager and 9th Airlift Squadron honorary commander, said he was honored to be a part of this year's CRT.

"The Dover CRT is an excellent way for local civilian supporters of the Air Force to expand their knowledge of the Air Force's mission in different parts of the country," said Banez. "Equally important is the opportunity to exchange ideas and thoughts with those serving our country, from base commanders to pilots to squadron personnel. Every conversation provides new insight into how officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians impact local programs and the global mission of the Air Force."

The civic leaders and base leadership arrived at Luke AFB, on a 3rd Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III on the first day of their tour. The honorary commanders had the opportunity to see and learn about the  F-16 Falcon and F-35 Lightning II operations and maintenance, Luke AFB's tower and Radar Approach control as well as the Range Management Office.

Andrew Johnson, Dentsply International's LD Caulk Division Milford, Del, director of operations and 512th Maintenance Squadron honorary commander, said it was an experience he will never forget.

"Since I have never served in our military, I did not have a comprehensive appreciation for the level of commitment, focus, and determination that our service members possess," said Johnson. "The Honorary Commander program has provided me with a new perspective on the incredible operational skills, knowledge and abilities our military provides to their service men and women. As a business leader, I certainly have a new appreciation for the assets these individuals will bring to the business sector, should they choose that path after their service."
Civic leaders from Team Dover pose for a group photo Sept. 17, 2015, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as part of Dover AFB's 2015 community relations tour. CRTs are designed to engage local leaders from the Dover community with unique missions from different military bases outside of the Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)

The Dover civic leaders spent their second day at Davis-Monthan AFB where they received a mission brief, toured the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, or "Boneyard," met with members of the Davis-Monthan AFB honorary commander program, and had an opportunity to see and learn about the A-10 Thunderbolt II and HH-60G Pavehawk.

John Robert Ennis, Leadership Central Delaware, Marketing and Program Development director of marketing and 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron honorary commander, said the importance of the CRT was priceless to him.
Team Dover civic leaders take photos of a helmet specially designed for an F-35 Lightning fighter jet, Sept. 16, 2015, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., as part of Dover AFB's 2015 community relations tour. The F-35 helmet costs $400,000 each and is specifically designed for every pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)
Civic leaders from Team Dover take a look at a F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, as it taxis down the flightline before takeoff, Sept. 16, 2015, on Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. CRTs are designed to engage local leaders from the Dover community with unique missions from different military bases outside of the Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)
Civic leaders from Team Dover take a look at a parked F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, Sept. 16, 2015, on Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. CRTs are designed to engage local leaders from the Dover community with unique missions from different military bases outside of the Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)

"It was nice to travel to another base community and witness the same love and support we have for our men and women in uniform," said Ennis. "Both Luke and Davis-Monthan showcased such honor and excitement to host Dover. The connections, contacts and ideas developed on this trip are just simply priceless and I feel better prepared and motivated to continue to make Dover connected with the Delaware Community."