JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington D.C. –
Message to the Flock:
Within the first few weeks of this new year, we have already seen unprecedented history unfold in 2021!
Though COVID and other factors have largely changed the makeup of the events, the base is in the midst of supporting the Presidential Inauguration. Some may have noticed a flurry of activity as an influx of support resources are being staged across the base. Every four years, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling plays a critical logistical role in facilitating this National event. Even while many of the inaugural events have been scaled back, this is no small task and your JBAB Team remains active in supporting the endeavor. We truly are the Sentinels of the Capital!
In the coming days, you will likely continue to see large numbers of vehicles and equipment parked in places you don’t normally see them, and you’ll likely see there are more people on the installation than is typical. This is unlikely to affect most of your normal, day-to-day activities, but you may at times see a change to traffic flow on and off the base. I’d like to thank the entire JBAB Family for patience as we proudly support this historic event.
It’s difficult to discuss the upcoming inauguration without also considering the riots that ensued at the Capitol Building Jan. 6. As many of us watched the media and closely followed the situation, it was clear we needed to take the necessary action to prepare our base and protect our people should the situation degrade. I am grateful for the incredible preparations and actions of our “Tough Tigers” – the 11th Security Forces Squadron; the commitment to partnership of our JBAB Naval District of Washington Fire and Emergency Services to assist their counterparts in downtown D.C.; and the understanding of JBAB patrons as we made changes to our norm as the events at the Capitol unfolded. I am incredibly appreciative of the way we can operate as one community. I’m proud to call each one of you my JBAB Family.
In recent days, I’ve looked to our 11th Wing and JBAB leaders to have critical discussions within their units to ensure we all understand the responsibilities that come with wearing the Cloth of our Nation. As military members and Department of Defense civilians, we must continue to uphold the highest integrity in our commitment to the Constitution of the United States.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
I am proud to be a part of this very unique wing that supports this foundational Constitutional event in our great democracy. From our 11th Operations Group with The United States Air Force Band and Honor Guard to the 11th Mission Support Group essential support functions and everyone in between – I am grateful to share this uniquely American opportunity of peaceful transition of power with each and every one of you as we support bringing in our 46th Commander in Chief.
As always, I am proud to serve with you, and I appreciate all that you do! God Bless!
- Goose