U. S. Congressman Mark Takano visits March

  • Published
  • By Linda Welz
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
March Air Reserve Base, Calif. --  

Col. Matthew Burger, 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, hosted a congressional visit today for Representative Mark Takano, California’s 41st congressional district, and three of his staffers. The visit included tours of 452 AMW C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 static aircraft, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal vehicle static display, where Takano engaged with Team March members assigned to those assets.

                                      

Pilots, loadmasters, boom operators, maintainers and EOD personnel explained their mission sets throughout the static tour and answered questions from Takano about working together to get the job done.

 

“The Guard and Reserve face unique challenges, yet they accomplish their missions every time,” Takano said.

 

Burger and Takano discussed some of those challenges, including healthcare and military construction projects on base now and into the future.

 

Takano and his staffers also visited two of the Reserve wing’s mission partners, the California Air National Guard’s 163rd Attack Wing and their MQ-9 Reaper.

 

“Congressman Takano came to the wing well informed and was seeking information that he could use to make the lives of our Airmen better, and our mission stronger,” said Col. Sean Navin, 163 ATKW commander. “To have a congressman, such as Congressman Takano, in the corner of the 163 ATKW and March ARB is a tremendous asset that we truly value.”

 

The final tour stop was the Department of Homeland Security’s Air and Marine Operations Center to see the new facility, operations floor, and discuss issues the AMOC is facing. Takano had in-depth discussions on how to mitigate those issues with James Thom, AMOC director of operations and Tim Snyder, AMOC director of plans and programs.

 

“Human capital, coupled with technology, are our best tools to leverage against the issues we continually face at our borders,” Thom said.

 

Congressional visits, such as this one, are important for military commanders. Visits and dialogue to keep local elected officials appraised of issues and concerns for the military members and community members local to his or her districts, as well as garner support for those issues and concerns.

 

“March is a strategic enabler across the field, allowing us to respond to numerous taskings,” said Burger. “What a great opportunity to showcase the amazing work we’re doing here at March. I’d like to thank Congressman Takano and his staff for all the great support they’ve given our Airmen.”