‘That’s not how we do it around here!' Published Sept. 4, 2014 By Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno 45th Space Wing Commander PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Change is not always easy. I get it. We don't like changes to our routine, changes in our work place - and certainly not changes in the way we do business here at the 45th Space Wing. But, we have no choice in the matter. It's as simple as this: we need to change to be successful, and just talking about it isn't going to get the job done. This is why we need you - all of Team Patrick-Cape - to give some serious thought on improving our processes and procedures, how to best maximize our resources, and innovative ways to deal with the hands we have been dealt. Our senior leaders are saying the same thing. Gen. John Hyten, commander, Air Force Space Command, recently spoke at the annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, where he issued a warning of the looming defense budget caps. "[20]16 scares the heck out of me," he said. "Our [operations and maintenance funding] is very different in our command. It's bad on the aviation side, but they can ground squadrons. We can't," Hyten added. And because of the very specific - and incredibly important mission -- of the 45th Space Wing, there's a very good reason we can't "stand down" and General Hyten was quick to point that out. "Everything we put forth is critical to some military mission," he said. That quote kind of puts everything into perspective for me, and hopefully it does for you as well. So that's why I need you to peel back our processes and procedures, look at more efficient ways of managing our resources, and keep innovation at the very forefront of your mindset. And please don't get me wrong...I am in no way advocating change for change sake. I am advocating change for survival sake, and to continue the necessity of maintaining our #1 priority of 100 percent mission success now and in the years to come. So please, when a new idea or suggestion comes your way, don't use the "ostrich approach" and simply say "that's not how we do it around here!" You got that right folks; the times...they are a changin'. Next week, I want to go into more detail about our new priorities and commitments. Together, we can do such great things here. But we are always willing to hear from you. No need for you to wait. The clock is ticking. Stay Focused, Sharks!