History a strong influence on new commander

  • Published
  • By Shawn J. Jones
  • 514th Air Mobility WIng
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Ever since he set his sights on becoming a military officer, history has been an important subject for Col. David Pavey, 514th Air Mobility Wing commander.

"I never wanted to become involved in a military conflict and not have a clear understanding of how we became involved in it," said Pavey, who has a Master of Arts degree in Ancient Classical History.

"Having learned that history has very repetitive cycles, I try to best anticipate, in my role as a military officer, how I could help our Airmen perform better to ensure that our nation succeeds."

But history doesn't just influence his leadership style, it impacts his leisure time.
He appreciates being stationed in New Jersey due to the proximity to so many colonial and early American historical sites.

"I love the history here, and I've already visited several of the spots," he said. "I went to Washington's Crossing where General Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776. You realize this nation was not a foregone conclusion, and its birth from the revolution was not a sure thing at all."

History also played an important role at his previous assignment at March Air Reserve Base, California.

"I volunteered at Chino Planes of Fame Air Museum where I worked on WWII aircraft," Pavey said. "I worked directly on the P-59, which was America's first jet. It will fly later this year, and when it does, it will be the oldest flying jet in the world."