You can't keep a good TEAM down Published July 24, 2015 By Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno 45th Space Wing Commander PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As I write this, we are about 24 hours away from launching a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV the evening of July 22 from Space Launch Complex 37, carrying the seventh Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite -- and less than two weeks removed from my relinquishing command to Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith on Aug. 4. This attempt comes just seven days after a ULA launch of GPS IIF-10 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. As we look back on our incredible and inspiring two-plus years here on the Space Coast (we know everyone says it but it still seems like yesterday), Eddie and I can only shake our heads in amazement at what we've been able to witness first-hand. Almost immediately after taking command here on June, 12, 2013, we were hit with three thunderous left hooks that could have floored a lesser group of people than those who make up Team Patrick-Cape. Sequestration. Bang! Employee Furloughs. Bang! Government Shutdown. Bang! To be honest, those were three body shots that may have shook us for a bit, but never stopped us from answering the bell and completing our mission: ONE TEAM ... delivering assured Space Launch, Range and Combat Capabilities for the Nation. It was that summer of 2013 -- right then and there -- that my impression was set: I was certain there was nothing this team of professionals could not accomplish. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for welcoming us, educating us, taking care of your people, maintaining a positive attitude when times got tough, and having the ability to see circumstances the way they ARE -- and not the way you WANT them to be. That kind of "can-do" attitude is better explained by this quote from George Bernard Shaw. "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them." That's great advice! This positive attitude allowed this team to hit the highest ops tempo we've had in 15 years, ignite innovation and make real, positive change, and invest in people with new, creative programs. All while raking in 189 awards at the community, 14 AF, AFSPC, and Air Force level! This is more than a good team, this is a great team! Stay Focused, Sharks!