Multimedia merges with Public Affairs Published Sept. 19, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The multimedia section of the 5th Communications Squadron merged with the 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office during a ceremony here Sept. 17. Eleven Airmen officially made the transfer and changed hats, which will increase the mission capability and versatility of the Public Affairs office. The transfer included six photographers and five broadcasters. "We're sorry to see them go and appreciate all the excellent work they've accomplished with the 5th Communications Squadron," said Lt. Col. Robert Schutt, 5th CS commander. "I know they'll continue that standard of excellence as part of 5th Bomb Wing Staff in the Public Affairs office." Maj. Patricia Traynor, 5th BW acting chief of public affairs, welcomed the new Airmen with open arms and new 5th Bomb Wing hats during the ceremony. "We are thrilled to welcome such professional and super-skilled Airmen to the Public Affairs career field," she said. "They have a lot to share." The unified office, located on the 2nd floor at the 5th BW headquarters building, is an Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative designed to improve the services provided to Air Force Bases worldwide by the two career fields. Multimedia and Public Affairs have historically worked in harmony, each supporting the other's mission. However, this merger brings the tools and expertise of Multimedia's photographers and broadcasters (formerly videographers) directly to the Public Affairs office, resulting in new capabilities to Public Affairs and Minot AFB. Multimedia will continue to support their AFSC functions: studio portraits, passport photos, investigative support, etc. "The multimedia mission provides a solid fit with the Public Affairs core competencies of Trusted Counsel to Leadership, Global Influence & Deterrence, Public Trust & Support, and Airmen Morale & Readiness," said Major Traynor. "It's going to be a great thing for public affairs," said Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood, 5th BW/PA Non-commissioned Officer In Charge. "We'll be able to cover stories with all resources: writer, photographer and broadcasters, and create a complete package that way. We'll maintain our core competencies throughout our careers and learn from each other." Eventually, the goal is to develop a new AFSC for PA, implementing extensive PA and Photojournalist capabilities. However, in the interim, journalists and photographers will learn and perform skills in each other's specialties to enhance their leadership skills and roles. "I think the merger is a positive move in the right direction," said Senior Airman Christopher Boitz, formerly 5th CS, now a photographer for 5th BW/PA. "I believe that we (public affairs) will see an enhanced work product and will be able to produce and run things a lot smoother than before the transition." Staff Sgt. Dale Gosney, formerly 5th CS, now a broadcaster for 5th BW/PA, welcomes the change and believes the transition can only benefit everyone involved. "With the roles we perform in our respective career fields, it just makes sense to do this," he said. "Everybody wins." Despite the challenges that come with change, the men and women of the Minot AFB public affairs are excited to get started. "Even with the difficulties of change, it's actually quite an exciting time to be part of Public Affairs," said Major Traynor. "We'll see some cross-utilization training that will result in a more-capable force, able to tell the Air Force story in a multitude of ways and formats." The Public Affairs office encourages people to visit the base website often at www.minot.af.mil, where they can see the positive results of the merger first-hand.