Iceman public affairs, multimedia set to combine forces Published June 5, 2007 By 1st Lt. Bryon McGarry 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Iceman communicators are rewriting the books on public affairs practices at Eielson in line with the Air Force's strategic communications vision. After more than a year of planning and research, Eielson Air Force Base Public Affairs and Multimedia offices are making final preparations for a July 1 merger. "We're implementing locally what's become the new standard for PA and multimedia offices across the Air Force," said Capt. Chris Anderson, 354th Fighter Wing PA chief. "The merger gives both offices the opportunity to build on our already outstanding working relationships and to serve our customers more efficiently." The local combination of capabilities reflects Air Force Public Affairs' vision to employ strategic communications in all Air Force operations. The revamped Iceman PA office exemplifies that strategic mindset in "one voice" information dissemination to both internal and external audiences. "The key takeaway from this merger is that we are fine-tuning our ability to communicate across the spectrum of operations," Captain Anderson said. "The 'one team, one voice' concept is hard at work here, and as a collective band of communicators, we're better able to tell the Air Force story, inform our audiences and show the world what today's Air Force brings to the fight." The multimedia office, currently attached to the 354th Communications Squadron, will combine the majority of its capabilities with that of PA, but customers should be aware of a few changes. Traditional public affairs capabilities, including reporting, photography and editing of the Arctic Sentry and base Web site, facilitating positive media relations and bolstering community relationships, will remain intact. However, some multimedia services will be discontinued in line with adjusted mission requirements and Air Force Smart Operations 21. "As a combined office, we'll still offer alert photography services as well as limited official portraits (wing- and group-level functions and studio portraits)," said MSgt Rob Wieland, 354th CS base multimedia center manager. "The most notable change will be the discontinuation of graphics services, as the graphics career field is being dissolved." The merger is not only a collocation of offices, personnel and equipment, but a veritable paradigm shift in operational capability. As graphics professionals cross-train to other career fields, their multimedia brethren in videography will be transitioning to broadcasting, while traditional photographers will transition to the public affairs specialty. "Our communication capabilities as a wing are truly enhanced by this move," Captain Anderson said. "The preemptive coordination between command, wing and unit leadership will ensure that our customers continue to receive the high level of service and quality they're accustomed to." The new consolidated public affairs office is also offering training and equipment checkout to units with photography and videography requirements. The PA office will offer photo training to designated unit public affairs representatives and any other interested customers as well as continue its self-help section for equipment checkout. Though the combined office's capabilities vary, their mission is the same - to provide maximum disclosure of information with minimal delay to its various customers and to enhance the morale of Icemen and families. "This combination of vital communication tools gives us the opportunity to better serve our Iceman Team and our community neighbors," said Brig. Gen. Dave Scott, 354th FW commander. "Our PA and multimedia professionals have prioritized smarter and more efficient operations while still providing top-notch service all around."