New commander ready to 'fly' wing smoothly Published Nov. 28, 2006 By Col Bryan Benson 71st Flying Training Wing Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Team Vance flight check-in ... two! ... three! ... four! Experienced aviators often gauge the quality of a formation by the timeliness and smoothness of the initial check-in. There's almost nothing as sweet to a flight lead as the crisp echoes of wingmen responding to his or her call. Likewise, almost nothing is as disappointing to a wingman as a leader lacking in or providing late direction. The key to a successful mission is thoughtful preparation, tempered anticipation and skillful execution by both lead and wingmen. It is clear that Col. Mike Callan, coupled with the group commanders, civilian leaders and Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Kallas have prepared you well. Team Vance's reputation is world renown and many communities are envious of the partnership shared by Vance Air Force Base, the city of Enid and Garfield County. You should be proud. My preparation may not be as clear to you. On March 23, 1983, I entered the gates of Vance AFB as a member of pilot training class 84-04 along with 69 others. Thirty-four of us graduated. I've flown the C-141 in multiple conflicts and KC-135s in numerous others, so I understand the demands of today's operational environment. I'm schooled in advance combat tactics and national security strategy, served on the Military Airlift Command, Air Mobility Command and joint staffs, as well as in the United States and Europe. I've commanded at the operational squadron and group levels, but have never served in Air Education and Training Command. While I have much to learn, I'm eager to start. Team Vance is about creating world class aviators and developing world class Airmen with world class support. I report to you that Vance's core product, America's best U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps pilots, are performing heroically around the world. Vance also has numerous support officers and enlisted personnel deployed to Southwest Asia ensuring our national interests are protected. I take comfort in that and sleep well at night knowing they are on watch. Of course, none of this happens without our support team of blue suiters, Department of Defense civilians and contractors. Their actions enable us to take care of the mission, ensure those loved ones left behind are provided for and defend us from anyone meaning to do us harm. We are blessed to have such a competent team. As I look into our future, I see a number of "tactical" events ahead. Beyond the business of graduating pilots, we will safely train and execute the T-37 to T-6 conversion, Operational Readiness Inspection and Air Expeditionary Force rotations and I'm confident we will succeed in every endeavor. I'll also join you in watching the Base Realignment and Closure process run its course and trust the committee makes wise choices that serve our nation's interests. As we start this journey together, remember, each of you is empowered with the "knock it off call." If it doesn't look right, sound right or feel right - it probably isn't. Exercise good judgment, use sound "wingman" principles, check six and return to fight another day. On a more personal note, Sherrie, Chris, Matt and I wish to say thanks for such a warm welcome and wish Colonel Callan, Ann, Amber and Brook good luck and Godspeed as they travel to the Pentagon. Thanks for all you do for America!