OPINION: KAFB: A year of progress, precision and partnerships

As the 377 Air Base Wing and installation commander at Kirtland Air Force Base, I’m proud — truly proud — to look back on what this team has accomplished for our nation and for this community over the past year. With an annual economic impact of $7.5 billion and a population of more than 70,000 airmen, civilians, families, retirees and veterans, Kirtland remains a cornerstone of New Mexico and a powerhouse for our national defense.  

My first priority is our people. And that’s not just at the 377th but every single one of you who makes up Team Kirtland — from our youngest airmen and their families to our civilian workforce, our community partners and everyone in between. Whether you’re working in the Vet Clinic, the Dining Facility or the Air Force Safety Center, this mission doesn’t happen without you. I need all of you, and our nation needs all of you, to keep the Kirtland National Security Complex at the forefront of national security.  

Team Kirtland had a standout year in 2025, and nothing showcased that teamwork more than hosting the first Air Fiesta in six years. Over two days, more than 40,000 people came through our gates. It took the entire team to make that event happen, and it was a tremendous opportunity to thank this community for its unwavering support.  

We also remain committed to transparency and partnership. One example is our honorary commanders' programs — one of the largest in the Air Force — with 54 leaders from health care, law enforcement, business and nonprofits paired with more than two‑thirds of our commanders. This program strengthens understanding, builds trust and reinforces the bond between the Air Force and the community we serve.  

These leaders have helped champion state laws and policies to better support our military families. We work hand‑in‑hand with the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office on crime issues. We rely on mutual‑aid agreements with Albuquerque Fire Rescue and Bernalillo County for emergency response. We partner with local hospitals to improve health care access and quality. And we collaborate with school systems to support the unique needs of our military children. None of this happens without strong city and state leadership standing with us.  

My second priority is precision. When it comes to the nuclear mission, precision isn’t a buzzword — it’s the standard. It’s the expectation. It’s what allows Americans and our allies to sleep soundly at night, and it’s what keeps our adversaries awake. This is not the place to cut corners. I need every member of this team to understand the seriousness of that responsibility and to execute with the discipline and accuracy that our mission demands.  

The scope of what happens on this base is nothing short of remarkable. We have 108 units — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, the FBI and more — working across missions that range from special operations training to research and development, operational test, intercontinental ballistic missile testing, munitions maintenance and nuclear training. And we’re not slowing down. We expect even more growth in 2026 and beyond. As Kirtland grows, so do our responsibilities, and my priorities stay focused on meeting those needs head‑on.  

My third priority is progress. Progress ties directly into people and precision. This installation is massive, and enabling 108 missions takes constant effort. Progress isn’t flashy, but it’s what keeps this installation in the fight. We need to improve how we care for this base — from infrastructure to housing to mental health support. And that means staying laser‑focused on the readiness, safety and sustainment of the installation itself. The bones of this base — the roads, the utilities, the flightline, the facilities our airmen work in every day — must be strengthened and modernized if we expect to keep pace with the missions we support. Ensuring the long‑term health of our infrastructure isn’t glamorous work, but it’s foundational to everything we do. Every support function, every improvement, every repair contributes to Kirtland’s long‑term success.  

Looking ahead, Kirtland Air Force Base will continue to be a critical asset for national security and a major contributor to New Mexico’s economy. But we can’t do it alone. I’m asking our community leaders to stay engaged, understand the challenges we face and work alongside us to find solutions. When we do that, we ensure Kirtland remains a place where people want to live, work and serve — and where our families receive the support they deserve.  

Together, we can build a stronger future for this base, this community, and this nation we’re all proud to defend. 

Col. Justin Secrest is the 377 Air Base Wing and installation commander at Kirtland Air Force Base.