Wing leaders visit Air National Guard base in Springfield

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael Gibson
  • 178th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Leaders from Wright Patterson Air Force Base's 88th Air Base Wing visited the Springfield Air National Guard Base on Oct. 29 to gain a better understanding of the 178th Wing's missions and strengthen their existing partnership.

Col. John Devillier, 88 ABW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hoffman, 88 ABW command chief, met Col. Gregory Schnulo, 178th Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Ottis LeMaster, 178th command chief, and the 178th group commanders while touring base facilities.

"It was absolutely wonderful to tour the base and gain a better understanding of the great things the 178th does," said Devillier, who assumed command of the 88th in July this year. "It was great to see the unique capabilities of the 178th and the support they provide to the warfighters downrange."

During the visit, these base leaders expressed mutual appreciation and talked about the importance of their existing partnership between the 178th and Team Wright-Patt.

"Coming from the ops world, I've seen the value in total force partnership," said Hoffman. "We're always looking forward to supporting the 178th."

The 178th command chief also emphasized the importance of the Air Force's active-duty, Guard and Reserve components.

"As we continue to define the three component Air Force, the importance of active-duty, Guard and Reserve fulfilling the mission requirements is necessary for the success of the Air Force's future missions and the mission of the today," LeMaster said.

One of the ways the 178th works with Team Wright-Patt is through its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, which provides intelligence support to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, located at Wright-Patterson AFB.

"With fiscal constraints, it's important to maintain our strong partnership between the 178th and Team Wright-Patt," said Devillier.

According to a recent economic impact analysis, Wright-Patterson AFB and the 178th have a combined economic impact of more than $4.49 billion to surrounding communities.

"It's important to maintain a strong relationship with Team Wright-Patt. We each provide essential support to our nation's defense," said Schnulo. "I enjoyed meeting Col. Devillier and Command Chief Hoffman and look forward to our existing partnership at excelling in our missions."