News

New maintenance commander doesn't see a need for change

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  When missions are running smoothly and shop workers are operating well with the flow of tasks, there is usually little need for change, if any. The new 446th Maintenance Group commander plans little change in the 446th MXG's future ... and he sees this as a good thing. 

Col. Bill Anholt accepted the reins of McChord's Reserve maintenance group at a change of command ceremony in Hangar 4 here during the August Reserve weekend. He replaced Col. Jon Huguley, now the director of the 562nd Logistics Management Flight, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. 

"Colonel Huguley was responsible in so many ways for making the 446th MXG the powerhouse of maintenance it is today," said Chief Master Sgt. Tim Meyer, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent. "We always hear the saying, 'you have large shoes to fill,' when a new person comes on board. But, I feel Colonel Anholt brought his own shoes. I look forward to having him as our new 446th MXG commander." 

According to Colonel Anholt, his "shoes" fit right here. 

"I'm not a stir the pot type of guy," said Colonel Anholt. "Everything is working well here. I might apply some things that worked for me at other bases and tweak a few things here and there. But I really don't see many changes in 446th MXG because this is an outstanding unit. Their performance at Rodeo 2009 proved it and I'm blessed to have this job." 

Not making any major changes allows for more focus on maintaining the group's goals, according to Colonel Anholt. 

"I want to provide the best aircraft maintenance possible, meet our mission requirements, and keep our crews well trained," said Colonel Anholt. "We're going to concentrate on our core competencies, which are providing safe and mission reliable aircraft." 

According to Chief Meyer, Colonel Anholt's presence will help amplify the group's capabilities. 

"I am extremely optimistic Colonel. Anholt's leadership will increase our productivity and performance," said Chief Meyer. "Since his arrival, he has shown a definite understanding of 446th AMXS's commitment to our active-duty counterparts and the Air Force Reserve Command mission." 

Another goal is to ensure the welfare of the hard-working Reserve maintenance folks who are contributing to the mission, said Colonel Anholt, who himself has been a Reservist since 1992. 

"My primary concern is for the Airmen who have been entrusted to me," said Colonel Anholt. "I want to make sure they have the tools and expertise to do the mission, that we provide a safe working environment for them, and help balance their needs with their families and civilian employers." 

According to Colonel Anholt, he also believes in recognizing those maintainers who grind their teeth on the flightline. 

"When I was at Travis (AFB, Calif.), Colonel Huguley and I had a friendly rivalry where we competed for awards by recognizing our folks," said Colonel Anholt. "I want to continue that here." 

Chief Meyer observed Colonel Anholt's commitment to Airmen welfare. 

After arriving here, Colonel Anholt wasted no time touring 446th AMXS to visit the Air Reserve Technicians, Reservists, and active-duty people, said Chief Meyer. 

"He spoke with several maintainers about their experiences with the C-17 Globemaster III and McChord in general," said Chief Meyer. "I continue receiving lots of positive feedback about how excited the technicians are to have Colonel Anholt as their new group commander." 

Colonel Anholt's tour of 446thAMXS is one of the things helping him transition into the group, according to Chief Meyer. 

"I feel the Colonel appears to be transitioning into his new position rather well," said Chief Meyer. "This is especially evident during the daily maintenance meetings he's led. His understanding of complex maintenance repairs and flying schedules has already proven to be an asset to the 446th MXG and 62nd MXG mission." 

According to Colonel Anholt, even though his transition into the 446th MXG is smooth, the group still faces a close challenge. 

One of the near term challenges is the force structure change, said Colonel Anholt. The people being affected by those changes need to be taken care of and the proper skill levels need to stay out on the flightline. Individuals' professional needs still need to be met. Over the near term, the operations tempo will probably stay the same and 446th MXG will still be able to support the mission. 

Even with the challenge of force restructure, there won't be much change in leadership style, said Colonel Anholt. 

"The good thing is that I don't think I need to make many adjustments with my leadership style here," said Colonel Anholt. "I prefer to collaborate with people than to be directive. I like to take input from everyone and decide on the final decision." 

It's that collaboration philosophy that encourages the teamwork concept in maintenance that Colonel Anholt experienced in his 15 years of active duty and 19 years of Reserve duty. 

"I've always emphasized teamwork," said Colonel Anholt. "We all have a central mission here in maintenance, whether it's active duty, Reserve, civilian, ARTs, we all work for the same goal- to provide safe, mission-reliable aircraft." 

According to Colonel Anholt, having little to change allows him to make a smooth transition into the 446th Airlift Wing as a whole. 

The transition to the wing has been great so far, said Colonel Anholt. Col. David Pavey, 446th Operations Group commander, has been helping as far as getting situated with the wing and what to expect as a group commander in the 446th AW. 

"I cannot think of a better commander than Colonel Anholt to continue the fine relationship of Team McChord," said Colonel Pavey. "He and his wife are simply super people. We're very pleased to have them in the wing." 

Being back in the Northwest is also making the off-duty transition easier, despite the stresses of moving, according to Colonel Anholt. 

"I grew up in Portland and my wife Marcy is from Elma, Wash.," said Colonel Anholt. "This is our chance to come home. It is a little stressful with adjusting to a new house and the logistics details, but we have friends and family here. This is where I'm hoping to retire. Ultimately, we're happy that we're back in the Northwest."