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Adopt a resolution recognizing Colonel Jeffrey W. Nelson, Commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, for his outstanding service and contributions to Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Jim Spering requests the Board adopt a resolution in honor of Colonel Jeff Nelson, who served as the 60th Air Mobility Wing Commander from September 2018 to July 2020 when he relinquished command to Colonel Corey Simmons.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Leading the largest Air Mobility Wing in the Air Force, Colonel Jeff Nelson directed 24 squadrons, 9,000 personnel and the Air Force’s largest medical center. He was responsible for ensuring the readiness and well-being of more than 26,100 active duty, reserve and civilian members and their families.
Colonel Nelson established himself early on as a leader who valued the partnership between Travis and the local community and worked to strengthen and foster this connection. He maintained the Civic Leaders quarterly meetings, and bolstered staff support to the Travis Community Consortium. He ensured Travis staff were engaged in local development projects, including the Jepson Parkway Connector Project, Canon Road and North Gate improvements, and active with the Solano Airport Land Use Commission. He worked closely with local officials, congressional leaders and Air Mobility Command to find solutions and yet ensure wind turbines, renewable energy sources, wildlife conservation areas, and other environmental issues, did not impact the future viability of TAFB and its mission.
Colonel Nelson’s leadership through the coronavirus national emergency in Spring of 2020 highlighted his skillfulness in leading the Travis team and his emphasis on being a good community partner. When Travis was picked to host the first quarantine site in the country, the Colonel quickly reached out to Solano County and city leaders, apprising them of the measures to safeguard the health of Travis and the community. He and his staff worked closely with local officials and the County Health Officer throughout the pandemic to stay in step and respond rapidly and appropriately to evolving conditions. His leadership ensured Travis was able to maintain its worldwide global mobility operations while providing installation support to the 1,401 repatriated evacuees -- offloaded from two cruise ships, four aircraft and eighteen buses - and leading the way in the Air Force’s pandemic response.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the District 3 FY2020/21 Preliminary Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to take this action. This is not recommended as it is consistent with Board policy. This resolution is in keeping with the values of the Solano County Board of Supervisors.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This report was prepared in coordination with the Travis Air Force Base commander’s executive staff; Solano Transportation Authority program and marketing managers; and staff representative of the Travis Community Consortium