457th Airlift Squadron plays vital role in security Published Aug. 10, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Keith L. Halcromb 457th Airlift Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Being a part of the 457th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Andrews can be both challenging and rewarding. On such a high-profile installation, airlift missions are vital to national security both at home and abroad. Distinguished visitors are flown to all corners of the globe to help resolve political issues and voice national concerns. Although the 457th AS is a geographically separated unit and a small squadron, its mission is essential to the senior leaders and the Air Force. Every member at the 457th AS plays a vital role in ensuring the airlift mission is conducted securely, safely, and with the utmost professionalism. “Our mission at the 457th AS is to provide safe and reliable airlift support to distinguished visitors; these DV’s include high ranking generals, Department of Defense civilian leaders, Congressmen, cabinet members, and, at times, foreign nationals,” said Lt. Col. John Borowski, 457th AS commander. Today’s Air Force demands that the 457th does more with less, and those demands are definitely executed with the highest standards here at the 457th AS. Many challenges arise being a detached unit, but squadron members do not shy away from adversity and always strive to fulfill the mission while maintaining record currency and training requirements. This innovative way of working requires each squadron member to excel in their primary duties, whether it’s Aircrew Flight Equipment, Contracting Officer Representative, Squadron Aviation Resource Management, Flight Scheduler, Personnelist, or Pilot. In addition to their daily duties, the enlisted corps of the 457th AS is encouraged by senior leaders to complete training certifications, professional military education, and personal education. The mentality of “a better me, a better we” is being instilled in both young and seasoned Airmen. As a result, all enlisted are pursuing PME courses for their respective ranks, and new lieutenants are completing all upgrade requirements ahead of schedule, while simultaneously juggling various additional duties for the Squadron. “Although the 457th AS is geographically detached from the 375th Air Mobility Wing, I feel our leadership does a great job of keeping us motivated and focused on the mission,” said Senior Airman Jeremy Poblano, a member of the Squadron Aviation Resource Management team. Communication is a key component at the 457th. The mission cohesiveness is a reflection of great leadership, and, as stated by Poblano, leadership does a tremendous job with keeping the unit focused on the wing’s mission. The unit also continues to build relations with outside organizations to give and receive support here at Joint Base Andrews. The 89th and 11th Wings have provided assistance when needed, and the continued support with communication, deployments, airfield support, and safety have been outstanding. “I feel like 457th AS members go above and beyond. Everyone takes pride in their work, and they accept any and all unforeseen daily challenges while getting the mission done,” said Tech. Sgt. Antonio Maldonado, Flight Readiness NCO in charge.