MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 6th and 927th Operations Groups hosted newly inducted honorary commanders from both wings for an immersion tour here, Feb. 3. They took the opportunity to spend part of the day touring and learning more about how team MacDill utilizes the total force to project air power and maintain readiness.
The tour began with a mission brief provided by Col. Adam D. Bingham, 6th ARW commander and Col. Kurt A. Matthews, 927th ARW commander, both welcoming the honorary commanders.
“It takes teamwork to make great things happen,” said Bingham. “Partnered with your respective commanders, we are excited to see all that comes from the teamwork being created throughout the next two years during your honorary commander service.”
Team MacDill set up a KC-135 Stratotanker static aircraft for the honorary commanders to view up-close, granted them guided access into the air traffic controller tower to view take-offs and landings, look across the installation from the catwalk and observe air traffic control Airmen performing their duties. Survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists from the 6th Operations Support Squadron demonstrated the training and tactics that prepare aircrew for missions over contested environments.
“This is my first year as an honorary commander,” said Eric Corliss, honorary 927th ARW Command Chief. “I previously served in the Army and I am excited to work closely with the Air Force in this aspect and to give back.”
Over the course of the next two years, these honorary commanders will be working with their commanders and assigned units — learning, growing and fostering a supportive relationship between the community and its military members.