thedrifter
08-31-04, 07:19 AM
Mission first, People always. Brig. Gen. Patton shares his command philosophy
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #: 2004830134458
Story by Lance Cpl. Curt Keester
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Aug. 26, 2004) -- "Mission first, people always; as Marines, we need to accomplish our mission, but you need to take care of the people too," said Brigadier General Charles S. Patton, a Springfield, Mo. native. "That's a fundamental principle all Marines should have. We are all a band of brothers and should treat everyone with dignity and respect."
During an Aug. 16 interview, Brig. Gen. Patton sat down with the Windsock to explain his command philosophy, plans for the future and how he feels about returning to Cherry Point.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Marine Corps Air Bases Eastern Area welcomed Brig. Gen. Patton aboard as their new commander, and bid farewell to retiring commander Major General Robert M. Flanagan, Aug. 6.
When asked about his future plans for the air station and MCABE, Brig. Gen. Patton complimented Maj. Gen. Flanagan on his time as MCABE Commander by saying, "I think Maj. Gen. Flanagan had it right; my three themes for the future are to support the war fighters, improve quality of life, and continue to improve our relationship with those outside our gates."
Straightforward and to the point is a good way to describe Brig. Gen. Patton's three-part command philosophy.
His clear-cut philosophy explains how he plans to approach his time here as the commander of the air station and MCABE.
He said he is not ready to zone in on a specific item to work on, but as issues arise in the future he will prioritize what needs to be taken care of. He added he's looking forward to working closely with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
As the War on Terror continues, the general said a challenge for the air station in the future will be to maintain vigilance and a working relationship with local law enforcement agencies.
"We can't get complacent just because nothing has happened," he said. "We don't want to be so strict we have a bunker mentality. We want to be able get out and enjoy what the base has to offer and what the local community has to offer."
Having served at the air station earlier in his career, Brig. Gen. Patton said he is glad to be back in North Carolina and around Marines - both active and retired, the supporting service members and civilian employees, the local community members, and Southern hospitality.
Lastly, he asked members of the air station community to keep in mind as the War on Terror continues, it costs money and we must all make a contribution. Energy conservation is an easy way for the base to free up funds, which can be applied to supporting fellow Marines deployed around the world.
"We have to tighten our belts here at Cherry Point, and we all have to contribute something to the War on Terror," he said. "I would encourage everyone to think of and apply whatever conservation measures they would at home, especially during the hot summer months and during peak hours of energy use. I would just like to ask for everyone's help in conserving energy around the air station."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004830135845/$file/brig.gen.patton.01.72.jpg
Brig. Gen. Charles S. Patton assumed command of Marine Corps Air Bases Eastern Area on Aug. 6.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Curt Keester
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/356E4FF92F1F1CA085256F0000618064?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #: 2004830134458
Story by Lance Cpl. Curt Keester
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Aug. 26, 2004) -- "Mission first, people always; as Marines, we need to accomplish our mission, but you need to take care of the people too," said Brigadier General Charles S. Patton, a Springfield, Mo. native. "That's a fundamental principle all Marines should have. We are all a band of brothers and should treat everyone with dignity and respect."
During an Aug. 16 interview, Brig. Gen. Patton sat down with the Windsock to explain his command philosophy, plans for the future and how he feels about returning to Cherry Point.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Marine Corps Air Bases Eastern Area welcomed Brig. Gen. Patton aboard as their new commander, and bid farewell to retiring commander Major General Robert M. Flanagan, Aug. 6.
When asked about his future plans for the air station and MCABE, Brig. Gen. Patton complimented Maj. Gen. Flanagan on his time as MCABE Commander by saying, "I think Maj. Gen. Flanagan had it right; my three themes for the future are to support the war fighters, improve quality of life, and continue to improve our relationship with those outside our gates."
Straightforward and to the point is a good way to describe Brig. Gen. Patton's three-part command philosophy.
His clear-cut philosophy explains how he plans to approach his time here as the commander of the air station and MCABE.
He said he is not ready to zone in on a specific item to work on, but as issues arise in the future he will prioritize what needs to be taken care of. He added he's looking forward to working closely with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
As the War on Terror continues, the general said a challenge for the air station in the future will be to maintain vigilance and a working relationship with local law enforcement agencies.
"We can't get complacent just because nothing has happened," he said. "We don't want to be so strict we have a bunker mentality. We want to be able get out and enjoy what the base has to offer and what the local community has to offer."
Having served at the air station earlier in his career, Brig. Gen. Patton said he is glad to be back in North Carolina and around Marines - both active and retired, the supporting service members and civilian employees, the local community members, and Southern hospitality.
Lastly, he asked members of the air station community to keep in mind as the War on Terror continues, it costs money and we must all make a contribution. Energy conservation is an easy way for the base to free up funds, which can be applied to supporting fellow Marines deployed around the world.
"We have to tighten our belts here at Cherry Point, and we all have to contribute something to the War on Terror," he said. "I would encourage everyone to think of and apply whatever conservation measures they would at home, especially during the hot summer months and during peak hours of energy use. I would just like to ask for everyone's help in conserving energy around the air station."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004830135845/$file/brig.gen.patton.01.72.jpg
Brig. Gen. Charles S. Patton assumed command of Marine Corps Air Bases Eastern Area on Aug. 6.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Curt Keester
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/356E4FF92F1F1CA085256F0000618064?opendocument
Ellie