First commander's call outlines wing priorities Published Aug. 21, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Col. Jay Raymond, commander of the 21st Space Wing, took over command just six weeks ago, but he already has some clear goals for both the wing and the base. Speaking at his first commander's call Aug. 16 and 17, Colonel Raymond outlined his top priorities for the wing, stressing the need for flawless operations and conduct at all times. He asked Airmen and civilian employees to pay attention to details and take ownership in everything they do. "I don't accept mediocrity," he said. "Who joined the Air Force to be number three, four or five? No, we joined to be number one. We have got to be perfect." Colonel Raymond said the wing's number one mission is to provide flawless space support for the nation. He said the 16th Space Control Squadron's RAIDRS mission, which detects satellite interference, is a good example of the wing's essential role in the war on terror. Because of that important role, Colonel Raymond asked all Airmen to do whatever they can to get ready for deployment. Though 243 Airmen from the 21st Space Wing are currently deployed, about 12 percent of Airmen here are listed as undeployable for a variety of reasons - a number he said he'd like to see decrease. "If you have a dental appointment, show up for your dental appointment," Colonel Raymond told the audience. "If you need a flu shot, get a flu shot. Take care of the things you can control." He also called on Airmen to be leaders, whatever their position, and asked them to do whatever is necessary to help the wing accomplish its mission. "If this wing can only go as far as wing leadership can task it, then we will have difficulty fulfilling the 21st Space Wing mission," he said. "We need leadership at all levels." Airmen from a variety of levels raised concerns about traffic on base during a question and answer session following Colonel Raymond's presentation. The recent closure of the West Gate, part of a $12.7 million renovation project that will make it the base's main entrance, has left drivers backed up when entering and exiting the North Gate. Colonel Raymond said wing command and Colorado Springs officials are continuously working on the problem and will try to reduce the clogging soon. He urged base employees to use the East Gate and to also be patient, as the new, expanded West Gate will be vastly improved when it reopens. "We're going to suffer through a little bit of pain, but I'm asking you to bear with us," he said. "It's going to be a lot better once we get the West Gate back open." Comment on this story.