Col Roger Watkins named vice wing commander Published Feb. 15, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Tristan Hinderliter 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- After two months of serving as special assistant to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Commander in the absence of Col. Lyle Powell, who is deployed, Col. Roger Watkins was earlier this month officially appointed as the vice wing commander. As vice wing commander, Colonel Watkins has primary responsibility for the wing exercise program, self-assessment, and environmental protection programs. Another key responsibility Colonel Watkins has is serving as chairman of the Deputy Readiness Oversight Committee. The brainchild of 92nd ARW Commander Col. Scott Hanson, the DROC an entity unique to Fairchild designed to supplement the Installation Readiness Board in ensuring the wing's readiness. The committee is made up of deputy group commanders, the director of staff and Wing Plans, although other agencies such as the Civil Engineering Readiness Flight are brought in as needed. The group is tasked with looking at readiness for the entire installation, said Lt. Col. Rob Boquist, chief of Wing Plans. "The group was formed through Colonel Hanson's vision for implementing readiness as a top wing priority," Colonel Boquist said. "Because this wing has conventional and strategic deterrence missions, we have an increased need for readiness planning." Their first order of business, he said, was to plan a two-year exercise schedule to ensure the wing's readiness edge and to prepare for numerous wing inspections in the coming months. "The challenge is to balance competing interests to ensure the wing's readiness," Colonel Boquist said. The committee determines what contingencies the wing will exercise for and what the goals are. Afterward, the group conducts an after-action review and tracks needed corrections through to completion. In addition, the committee helps develop and recommend policies for IRB approval, Colonel Boquist said. The DROC meets twice a month. Their next meeting is 4 p.m. today.
