Commentary: Proud member of 'championship team' Published June 15, 2012 By Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon WR-ALC Commander ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- My very first column to the members of the Robins team came in the Thanksgiving issue of the Robins Rev-Up. Today, it's truly my pleasure that this - my final writing to you as center commander - is in the same spirit of thanks. The past year and a half has been simply amazing. At the beginning of 2011, Robins' performance was distressing in a number of areas. Most disturbing were safety troubles endangering the life's blood of our operations - our people. Alarming were the shortfalls in our bread and butter - the aircraft maintenance mission. With less than half of our aircraft being produced on time, there were those who began to wonder about the long-term stability of the center. Eighteen months later, true to the heritage of this proud installation and the people who created that history, we're a safer, highly-efficient machine. With our production numbers consistently just less than 100 percent, Robins is the comeback story of the decade for Air Force Materiel Command. It's a classic team win. A victory generated by a blend of an incredible workforce, servant leaders, and a patriotic neighboring community. In essence, it's an inspiring reminder of who we are. Robins has forged a 71-year tradition of excellence known worldwide. Our re-emergence at the pinnacle of success is more accurately defined as a return to championship form than as a new era. It's just in your blood. It's all about who you are as a people. It's generations of loyal, devoted workers. It's about our team - the entire Middle Georgia community and seven-plus decades of unwavering support. I've had the great fortune to be a part of this team as it authored another chapter in a rich history. I'm awed when I think of the strides you've made in such a short time. Your performance and the dramatic turnaround culminated through your efforts have surpassed so many expectations. Thank you. I couldn't have asked for a better finish to a 34-year career. You've given me a priceless gift, the chance to walk off the field a member of a championship team. As we accomplish our mission in the midst of the transition, I urge each of you to stay the course. Remain true to our commitment for operating as an integrated team. Maintain your focus on driving improvements in quality, cost, delivery and safety. Your dedication to these winning attributes has made - and will continue to make - Robins a world-class leader for acquisition and sustainment excellence. There are great things ahead for Robins. I will watch with pride the continued progress and success and celebrate with you each triumph. And, it won't be from a distance. Hope and I have so enjoyed our time in this wonderful region that we're taking up residence in Middle Georgia. We are, by every consideration, one of you - bona fide members of this endearing community called Team Robins. It has been my honor to serve with you all. I will forever be humbled, proud and thankful for my affiliation with this amazing workforce and to have served in the U.S. Air Force in support of our great nation and its warfighters. Thanks again for all you have done for Hope and me. Our best wishes to each of you. May God continue to bless you, our Air Force, and our nation.