Getting to know our air base wing CC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Dearstone
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  It was just a couple months ago that Col. Sarah Zabel assumed command from Col. Patrick Higby of the 75th Air Base Wing.

As her first position as a wing commander, Zabel took a few moments to answer some questions about herself, what her initial impression is of the wing and Hill Air Force Base and what she expects during her time at Hill.

Q1: What do you think of the 75th Air Base Wing and how does it compare to other places you have served?
A1: I'm very impressed with the 75th ABW so far. In my first month here on Hill, as I went through my emersions, it's very clear that we have strong professionals who are very dedicated to their jobs.

Q2: This being your first wing commander position, what do you think will be some of your biggest challenges this year?
A2: The biggest challenge going into this year is our manning situation and our difficulty hiring new personnel. That is of course the outcome of our budget difficulties, and our manning is what is hitting us the hardest.

Q3: What's been the biggest surprise so far?
A3: The biggest surprise so far is that the structure of the wing is not the same as the other wings I have seen in the Air Force. Here, we have separate groups like Civil Engineering and SC, where before I was used to these and other organizations being part of the Mission Support Group. That has been the biggest surprise and biggest adjustment is learning to think in our structure and organization instead of the ones I am used too from other places in the Air Force.

Q4: As commander, what do you see as your primary role?
A4: My primary role is to set the priorities and overall tone of the organization. Also to make sure that the lower level commanders are following those priorities.

Q5: What are you looking forward to getting involved with the community in?
A5: I have been just amazed by the support the community gives us. I'm looking forward in getting involved with them with the programs that affect our Airmen and families as well as the recreational opportunities in the local area.

Q6: Can you discuss some of the ways you have prepared for your role as commander of the 75th Air Base Wing?
A6: In my 24 year Air Force career, I have been able to take positions of higher and greater responsibility at each step. So in a way, my whole career has been preparation for this job. I also make sure I keep up with changes in the AF policies and what our leadership says and what direction the AF is heading in.

Q7: What are some things that you would like your Airmen to know about you?
A7: I'm very happy with what I have seen with the 75th ABW so far. There are always new challenges and I expect we, as an organization, are going to rise to the new challenges. They can expect that I am going to keep the AF standards consistent with the rest of the AF or higher.

Q8: How do you view the role of 75th ABW in the day-to-day operations as Hill AFB?
A8: Since we are the host wing, I think we are responsible for keeping all of Hill healthy, effective and safe. Hill has some very important missions and we are responsible to make sure that we can carry it out and that our people are in a very productive environment.

Q9: Is there anything you would like to add?
A9: I'm really proud to be here. Being a wing commander is very exciting. It is an honor and a privilege. I am excited to be in a wing that is just as sharp and as good as the 75th ABW.