Ellsworth looking to the future in community partnership

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekuro
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  In an effort to better utilize resources and reduce operating and service costs, base and local leaders are working together to develop a new community partnership initiative.

Ellsworth is one of more than 14 bases across the Air Force participating in the program and is currently engaged in a series of meetings designed to explore cost-saving opportunities and partnerships with local government agencies.

"This installation-community partnership initiative will help reduce operating and service costs," said Lt. Col. Susan Lynch, 28th Communication Squdron commander. "In these times where budgets are limited, an initiative like this will greatly help - it's a win-win situation for all."

Examples of the type of partnerships include use of the Dakota's Club as a conference facility that will help increase club traffic and minimize the community's need to travel to Deadwood and other remote locations. Other areas being reviewed to optimize operations and bolster cost savings include medical technicians rotating through local emergency rooms for training and support and providing medical and logistic support during Sturgis Rally.

According to Lt. Col. Patricia Pettine, Secretary of the Air Force installations deputy assistant, partnerships help sustain Air Force operational capabilities and mission effectiveness on Air Force installations and maintain quality of life programs for Airmen and family members, while supporting the local community's economic goals and interests.

The initiative is in the early stages. Several base agencies have met with area leaders to compile information and to plot out a way forward.

Other bases participating in the Air Force Community Partnership Initiative include: Altus AFB, Okla.; Beale AFB, Calif.; Buckley AFB, Colo.; Fairchild AFB, Wash.; Joint Base Andrews, Md.; Maxwell AFB, Ala.; Moody AFB, Ga.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Patrick AFB, Fla.; Peterson AFB, Colo.; Robins AFB, Ga.; Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.; Sheppard AFB, Texas; and Tinker AFB, Okla.