JECC hosts USTRANSCOM and component command leadership

NORFOLK, Va. – On Aug. 22 the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, headquartered in Norfolk, Va., welcomed U.S. Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser, III, the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kathleen Gainey, USTRANSCOM Deputy Commander, and leaders from Air Mobility Command, Military Sealift Command and Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, - USTRANSCOM’s three Service component commands.  In addition to hosting these senior leaders for USTRANSCOM’s Component Commanders’ meeting, this visit also provided an opportunity to increase the staff’s awareness of JECC capabilities and allowed Fraser to discuss future command-wide priorities with JECC personnel.
 
Upon his arrival, Fraser addressed the JECC during an All-Hands meeting and recognized the significant efforts of the command’s members, including the former JECC Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Col. Mark Dewhurst, as he moves on to another position. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to be at the JECC and thank you for your remarkable service,” said Fraser. “We saw this as a great opportunity to show how much we appreciate your hard work, share information on recent travels and honor Colonel Dewhurst, a JECC member that has made a significant difference.”

Fraser continued by sharing feedback he received during his most recent trips to U.S. Africa Command and U.S. European Command, which illustrated the great reputation the JECC has earned at the geographic combatant commands.

“We are keeping the lines of communication open through these engagements and I only received positive remarks about JECC members downrange supporting the combatant commands,” said Fraser. “It is great to see that the combatant commanders recognize the JECC and the capabilities you bring to the joint force.”

Fraser also mentioned USTRANSCOM’s recent efforts to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan, a collaborative effort across the command which will further prepare USTRANSCOM for future requirements. USTRANSCOM is taking a closer look at efficiencies in daily operations and processes to synchronize efforts and maintain an increased level of readiness. 

“We have been doing a world-class job in meeting requirements, but we have to find the right balance so we will be postured to respond to future operational requirements,” he said. 

A team from one of the JECC’s three subordinate commands, the Joint Communications Support Element also executed a large demonstration of their latest communications capabilities at the Pennsylvania House, a 1907 replica of Independence Hall at Naval Station Norfolk, located near the JECC headquarters. The senior leaders convened at this historical site, which provided an exceptional venue to show off some of the latest technologies JCSE uses in the field. 

Displays of live and static communications equipment demonstrated the scalable, tactical-level support JCSE regularly provides to joint force commanders. In addition to presenting JCSE’s standard communication packages, JCSE also showcased the ground-based Communications-on-the-Move vehicle and the newest version of the Joint Airborne Communications Center / Command Post. An in-depth presentation allowed the visiting senior leaders to observe how these highly trained joint communicators provide uninterrupted connectivity in the earliest stages of emergent operations.

U.S. Air Force Capt. John French, the JCSE team lead during the visit, was in charge of coordinating the setup and execution of the demonstration. He spoke of how this was a mutually beneficial event for the distinguished leaders and the JCSE team.

“General officers may be familiar with the support we provide from personal experience, however, this gave them an opportunity for a deep-dive in all that we have to offer in the field,” said French. “Similar to how JCSE members interface with senior leaders downrange, the JCSE non-commissioned officers demonstrated expert knowledge in their equipment.”

Hosting senior leaders from across USTRANSCOM at JECC headquarters provided an opportunity to exchange information, discuss future initiatives and highlight JECC capabilities. In addition to demonstrating the communications capabilities the JECC provides to the joint warfighter, this face-to-face engagement also helped to strengthen ties between USTRANSCOM and its subordinates.