New 704th Services Division chief excited about opportunities at Arnold

From an Air Force brat to the new Chief of the 704th Services Division, Rick Ferrebee, comes to Arnold with new ideas and goals to make this one of the best recreational sites in the Air Force.

"I am pleased to come back to base level after being at command for a couple of years," he commented. "I just like base-level because that's where the action is at and I enjoy dealing with people and the great programs."

With only having a few work days under his belt, Ferrebee hasn't had much time to map out a plan of action, but he does have a few goals in mind.

"My goal is to make Arnold the best place to live, work and play in the Air Force," he said. "We can only do that by providing great quality of life programs, which Arnold already does; I just want to see if I can make a bigger splash."

With his style of leadership, Ferrebee wants to sit back and observe at first and then give his staff the direction he wants to move in.

"What I like to do when I go into a place is see how things operate and then after a month or so make up my mind in what direction to go," he said. "Whatever it is we evaluate and make a plan of action and will get feedback from the customers."

Ferrebee believes, based on what he knows and sees at Arnold, it could be one of the best outdoor recreation facilities in the Air Force.

"I think this is where we have to set our goals and be that," he commented. "It's a beautiful place and location and there are a lot of opportunities to do outdoor stuff."

He mentioned the recent opening of Crockett's Cove and the renovation of FamCamp as some of the newest opportunities, but envisions more for the bike enthusiasts.

"I would like to see us bring some kind of sanctioned bike race or road race," he said. "Since we have the trails in the woods there is plenty of space."
With any new job there are always challenges that must be faced.

"Since Arnold is so small, one of the biggest challenges is resources."

With 27 years of federal government service, Ferrebee admits he likes the traveling.

"I really enjoy working for the government," he said. "I have been able to travel a lot
and it's been a very interesting career."

Prior to coming to Arnold, Ferrebee was the chief of Resources & Requirements Branch at Headquarters Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. As the branch chief he formulated plans, set policy and exercised staff supervision over AFMC Services resources to include Non-Appropriated Fund transformation, analysis facilities systems, HRO, training, mortuary/casualty, honor guard, marketing and budget oversight.

After graduating from Oscoda Area High School, Ferrebee went to Adrian College where he received a bachelor's in business administration.

Ferrebee entered federal service with the Air Force in 1981 as a financial operations supervisor at Wurtsmith AFB, Mich. He has held numerous positions in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Services throughout his career including at the command level.




-AEDC-