Commander reflects on his time as skipper Published March 31, 2008 By Maj. Karl Lewis 301st Fighter Wing Fort Worth, TEXAS -- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth commander, Navy Capt. Ian McIntyre, took a moment to reflect on his time spent here while he prepares for his next assignment. Captain McIntyre commented on the challenges he has faced as the 'Skipper' of one of the first Joint Reserve bases initiated under the Base Re-alignment and Closure (BRAC) in 1992. "Challenges, yes; we have to support needs from our base tenants, be good neighbors to the community, answer our associated services, and the government. Each one has unique challenges that have to be met. "The base will continue to grow. The Army will be bringing a new rotary wing unit to the base soon. We have to make sure facilities are in place for the new unit. The Navy will bring in another Air Transport Wing to the base. Aircraft components, engines, support equipment and staff will be coming to the base" said the Captain. He continued to list a number of new construction projects will take place in the upcoming months. Included are a new Child Development Center, a multi-level parking facility and a brand new, modern control tower located right in the middle of the field. This will give the folks in the tower an unrestricted view of the airfield. A new water training tank (swimming pool) and gym expansion and Joint Communications Center will follow. "NAS JRB is estimated to be worth slightly more than $4.1 billion dollars in current market value. The base comprises 1737 acres of land, 396 buildings, and has a 12,000 foot long runway that is shared with aerospace manufacturer, Lockheed-Martin. The impact to the local economy is around $1.2 billion dollars," said Captain McIntyre. The base is growing and will be a valuable resource and asset to the nation. Captain McIntyre started his Navy career in 1986 after spending three years as a Merchant Marine sailor. He transferred his Merchant Marine commission for a Navy commission and went to Pensacola Naval Air Station to start his naval flying career. Captain McIntyre's next assignment will be at the Naval Support Activity Mid South, Millington, Tennessee, where he will be in charge of policy for mobilization of active duty for special work, bringing in reservists, Individual Augmentees or those on medical hold. The new base commander, Capt. Tracy D. Smyers, is due on station in early April.