Ellsworth Airmen work with local community to for new initiatives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Base and local leaders met for the first ever quarterly meeting under the new Air Force Community Partnership initiative June 26 at the Dakota's Club to discuss potential programs beneficial to both parties.

It has been nearly a year since efforts began to explore 'P4' projects - public-public and public-private partnerships between Ellsworth and local communities; with input from Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, and the mayors of Rapid City and Box Elder.

"Ellsworth is one of more than 15 installations across the Air Force participating in the program, which is designed to explore cost-saving opportunities and partnerships with local government agencies," said Lt. Col. Susan Lynch, 28th Communications Squadron commander. "The vision is for installation and community leaders to develop, prioritize and implement new initiatives."

Lynch added there are more than 40 proposals currently in consideration.

Some new ideas currently in the beginning stages include using the Dakota's Club as a conference facility, acquiring school buses for the base, sharing recreational programs and repairing Douglas Middle School's football field.

Lt. Col. Patricia Pettine, Secretary of the Air Force installations deputy assistant, explained that these partnerships help sustain operational capability and mission effectiveness on Air Force installations and maintain quality of life programs for Airmen, family members and civilians.

"The purpose of this partnership is to find areas that benefit both parties and enhance our combat readiness while supporting the local community's economic goals and interests," Pettine said.

The partnership initiatives are currently in the early phases with several base agencies meeting with local area leaders to compile information and to plot out a way forward.

"We're looking forward to finding new areas and opportunities to explore that will benefit our organizations," Lynch said. "We've met with some great successes and challenges but we have more work ahead of us as we move forward."