Meet the 18th MSG commander

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  U.S. Air Force Col. Debra Lovette took command of the 18th Mission Support Group June 18, 2014, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. She was asked a few questions so we can get to know one of our newest commanders.

What do you hope to bring to the Mission Support Group during your time as commander?

The 18th MSG is already an incredible team player in the mission of the 18th Wing and in the broader context of our Area of Responsibility here. What I see is an MSG with inevitable resource constraints, a diverse flightline and high operations tempo that will look for ways to innovate and improve how we do what we do. We will keep an eye on the mission, continue to do what we can to build resiliency into our Kadena family, and develop, inspire and motivate our people ... our greatest asset.

What do you expect of the Airmen under your command?

I expect focus on the mission of the 18th Wing in whatever scenario we may face and in whatever role we play in that mission, and there are many roles. I expect professional Airmen that hold themselves, and those around them, accountable to the Air Force core values. I believe we owe that to ourselves, each other and the people that we have committed to serve. The trust our nation has in each Airman is precious and should be protected. I also expect our Airmen to take care of each other and preserve a culture of respect for this family. Each Airman is critical in the role that he or she plays in the mission, but also locally as an ambassador to our sister services and our partner nation of Japan. I expect considerate behavior as a representative of this base, this service and this nation. And by the way, I am happy to report that I have already seen this here and I don't think that will change.

How do you feel about Kadena AB and living in Okinawa?

Absolutely thrilled about Kadena AB and living in Okinawa. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here and to have the opportunity to be a part of this team. It's an unbelievable mission with an unparalleled team in an absolutely stunning and welcoming location. What could be better?

Who inspires you and why?

I have seen so many instances here. Every Kadena team member here inspires me because each one I have met has chosen to thrive here in a very different environment than what most consider comfortable. I'm proud of the spouse that pulls over and offers a ride to an obviously lost walker in the middle of these very gentle rainstorms we have. I'm inspired by the neighbor that welcomes the new folks into the neighborhood with comfort foods as they get settled in. I'm inspired by the little ones who adjust with such agility to new things.

In every single one of the squadrons in the 18th MSG, I see Airmen and civilians that inspire me ... that are dedicated every day to making the mission move forward, whether that's serving meals at the DFAC, pulling cable for communications, moving parts to maintainers, standing at the gates/doors keeping us secure, assuring contracts are optimal for our mission here and so much more. People matter here and the people in the 18th MSG show that in a million different ways. That inspires me. This would inspire anyone!