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Andrews prepares for Corona South 2012

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura Turner
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Air Force senior leaders are prepping once again for the kick-off of Corona South 2012, scheduled to run from Feb. 20-22 here.

The leaders will discuss new ideas and policies to prepare the service for the future.

"I attended Corona South 2011 at Offutt AFB, Nev., and Corona Top 2011 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, while working in the Secretariat," said Col. David DuHadway, Air Force District of Washington director of staff. "From these trips, I learned how important it is for the Air Force's senior leadership to gather to discuss the toughest issues facing our service and also how critical it is for these meetings to run smoothly and efficiently. There are not many opportunities to get all the senior leaders together in one place."

Continuing the tradition sixty-eight years after the first commanders conference, topics of discussion center on the initiatives of each new presidential administration as well as the war on terrorism.
 
The first conference actually titled 'Corona' was held at Andrews and was hosted by Gen. John D. Ryan.

"Although this is not the first time Corona has been hosted at Andrews, it is the first time it will be held in the new Gen. Jacob E. Smart Building, right here on Andrews," said DuHadway. "It was designed with conferences like Corona in mind and we are anxious to not only show off its 21st century technological capabilities, but also to demonstrate that Andrews hosts the best government-operated conference facility in the National Capital Region."

The first U.S. Army Air Forces commanding generals meeting was held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., by Gen. Henry H. "Hap" Arnold in 1944. Topics of discussion then included efficiency, eliminating weak command personnel and an examination of the post-war goals of the Army Air Corps.

Seventeen years later, upon becoming the fifth Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Curtis E. LeMay continued to express the importance of units coming together as a team to successfully meet new challenges.
 
To establish unity, cohesion and teamwork, LeMay opted to sit in the center of the table during the conference dinner instead of sitting at the head as was customary.
 
He promoted team spirit by passing out his favorite fine cigar, the Corona, to each commander. As a result, the tradition of the Corona event was born.

While Corona South 2012 is happening, Team Andrews has an opportunity to show these leaders its commitment to excellence.
 
Lt. Col. Christopher Daniels, 11th Mission Support Group deputy commander, said that Andrews Airmen can contribute to this by continuing to strive to be positive, proactive and professional.

"As coined by our wing commander, Col. Ken Rizer, this is the 'Year of Customer Service' for the 11th Wing," said Daniels. "We are putting a lot of effort into our service facilities like The Club at Andrews, east and west fitness centers and lodging. However, attention to detail and a positive attitude are a huge part of providing excellent customer service.
 
"This includes base appearance and caring about how we are perceived by others as we should accept nothing less than being remarkable. Bottom line, the base will be on display, so we have to ensure the image is one of prestige and pride. After all, we are the 'Chief's Own' and must live up to that motto and what it represents," Daniels said.