BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Sledgehammer in hand, U.S. Rep. Wally Herger took the first swing at an office wall within the 713th Combat Operations facilities. The congressman's blow punched a large hole in the wall scheduled to be removed soon as part of a construction project that will permit the 713 COS to better support warfighting commanders in the Pacific and beyond.
"This event signifies the beginning of a project that will bring the Active Duty and the Reserve forces closer together." said Colonel Ben Williams, Commander of the 713 COS. Col. Williams said the scheduled renovations will provide a facility that will allow the Air Force Reserves to enhance command and control capability in a cost-effective option for combatant commanders.
Colonel Jeffrey Mineo, 940th Wing commander, praised the 713 COS as a "crown jewel of the Air Force Reserves and certainly this wing."
"The mission of the 713th is of critical importance, and the center of this capability is the people," Col. Mineo said. The commander said the renovation project is a milestone for the TFI initiative, enabling increased 13th Air Force reach-back capabilities to the squadron's mission expertise.
Speaking to those gathered at the ceremony, Mr. Herger thanked the Reservists for their service. "On behalf of the people of California's 2nd District, I want to thank you for all you're doing in service to our nation. We appreciate the sacrifices you and your families make to protect the freedoms that we enjoy here in this great country."
"For the Citizen Airmen of the 713th, this ceremony is an opportunity to bring focus to the emerging missions of the 940th Wing and, in particular, our squadron's expanding role in strengthening American defense in the Pacific region," said Col. Williams. "We appreciate the congressman being here to help us kick off the project, and we hope Mr. Herger will come back for the ribbon-cutting when the renovations are complete."