HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Air Base Group leaders discussed updates and ongoing initiatives during a commander’s call held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory campus here Sept. 6.
Scott Anderson, MIT Lincoln Laboratory assistant director of Operations, presented attendees with an overview of the organization, and highlighted the ways the Federally Funded Research and Development Center and Hanscom AFB’s missions intertwine in support of national defense.
“Whether through the work of our [66 ABG] Civil Engineering Division, Logistics Readiness or Security Forces Squadrons, we will always be connected to MIT Lincoln Labs,” said Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander. “Our missions are dependent on one another.”
The commander followed up with an update on the group’s strategic plan third line of effort, “Strengthen Installation Resources,” by way of enhancing wireless capabilities across the installation.
Maj. Sean Villano, line of effort champion, spoke about the recent “wins” regarding cellular and wi-fi capabilities across the base.
Historically, areas throughout the base were nearly void of cellular service connection, which Villano said created challenges when it came to supporting individuals and their families.
Over the last year, officials from the 66th Civil Engineering Division and Communications and Information Division have been working to bolster connectivity, and recently collaborated to activate a Verizon cell tower atop the cogeneration plant smokestacks.
“It’s so important that we find ways to stay connected so that we’re not working in silos,” said Villano.
This LOE also aims to bolster other installation resources, such as the Exceptional Family Member Program triad of medical, family, and assignment support, said Villano.
“We need to integrate these resources so they’re working together,” he said.
Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation command chief, joined Enriquez in highlighting recent strategic leader engagements that emphasized Hanscom AFB’s impact on both the local and national scale, including a recent visit by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and an Entrepreneurship Workshop held in July.
“There is so much good happening here in our facilities, and it’s important that we keep highlighting the work we do for our senior leaders,” said Enriquez.