LRS command changes hands

  • Published
  • By Gene Hughes
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  When describing qualities that made Lt. Col. Barry H. Crane, outgoing commander of the 908th Logistics Readiness Squadron, a good mentor who doesn't shrink from a leadership challenge was a common topic.

After leading the LRS for a relatively short two years, a career opportunity laden with challenges came knocking, and Crane answered.

Crane departs the 908th to become the commander of the 200 Airmen who comprise the 87th Aerial Port Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He said his goal is to make a significant impact on the development of the squadron's officers and enlisted.

"Over the past two years I have grown tremendously as a commander," he said. "I realized the nuances of leading a squadron while being a Traditional Reservist, understanding that great leadership ultimately depends on the great people you have in key positions."

During Crane's Air Force career, which includes sevens years active duty, he has always been in logistics of some kind. His tours of duty have afforded him the opportunity to deploy to Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
He said the LRS grew as a unit on several annual tours, implemented successful training plans for its sections, and greatly increased individual mentoring. He said the entire 908th will benefit as more LRS members take their knowledge into positions of greater responsibility.

"I would tell everyone to keep your own strategic plans in sight," he said. "Know what it takes to reach your goals. Don't be your own obstacle to that next promotion. And, most importantly, lead and mentor those following you, as they are the Airmen who will be our future leaders.

Initially joining the Air Force to pay for her education, Maj. Meghann F. Allison continues to serve because she believes in the Air Force mission, and has "a love for the people who comprise our great service."

Allison, a Delaware, Ohio native, assumed command of the 908th Logistics Readiness Squadron during a ceremony held during the November UTA.

She said she looks forward to "leading a team in successful mission accomplishment, seeing members succeed both holistically and individually achieving their personal best in support of the mission."

When she came out of the ROTC program, she was better suited to carry a tune rather than a logistics load. Allison holds a Bachelors in Voice Performance, as well as another in Interdisciplinary Studies.

She's made up a lot of ground since then. As a "core LRO," she has served in the APS and LRS, been an IDO and served as an executive officer at both the MSG & HAF levels. She said her goals are to maximize training opportunities in support of readiness requirements.

"As I lead, I strive to model the Air Force core values in the execution of my duties, thereby setting the example for my team. I strive to make a difference and giving the same level of effort I'm asking from them," she said. "We accomplish our mission by taking care of our people and ensuring they're trained in their primary specialty as well as emotionally and physically prepared to support the mission as required.

"My greatest pleasure is steering a team towards organizational goals and personal career milestones to achieve more than its members thought possible. I strive to empower my Airmen to achieve their personal best."