Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Airmen and soldiers at the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing this week.
These Air Force leaders visited the Red Tails, what 332nd AEW personnel are referred to due to their Tuskegee Airmen past, in part to learn more about their mission and contributions.
“The 332nd AEW is making history,” said Wilson. “It’s a really important mission and it’s an important part of the fight against ISIS. We came out to see what missions happen and to meet record-setting Airmen.”
With Airmen being such an important part of mission success they also came to talk with Airmen about how they can help and to let them know that they are appreciated.
“We are in the organize, train, and equip business and as we learn from our Airmen we see the things we can do to make it better for them,” said Wilson. “We also want to tell our Airmen thank you.”
The - VCSAF and CMSAF visited multiple work centers and received a first-hand look at the 332nd AEW mission’s to generate, sustain and execute airpower every day.
“If you look at the combat power that’s coming out of here, it’s taking the fight to ISIS. You’re contributing every day,” the general said. “You can look at the thousands of kilometers of terrain that’s been won back, and won back in large part because of the efforts of Airmen at this wing.”
The 332nd AEW is a composite wing comprised of multiple units, all contributing to the same overall objective, and every unit mission having its place in the greater undertaking.
“We were really impressed as we went around talking to Airmen. Every one of them knew how they contribute and every one of them understood that they are a big part of this,” Wilson said. “Whether contracting or finance, civil engineer or maintenance, or any of the force support that goes on to make this mission happen, you can see how they contribute. You can also see the pride. It is fantastic to see—great morale.”
The pride in their mission is understandable as these Airmen contribute daily to the defense of the region and delivering airpower on command, without fail.
“I think the most important thing was for us to come right here and gain a better understanding of the mission and how our Airmen are doing,” said Wright. “What we saw is a great, great example of how attitude reflects leadership. Airmen here are motivated, they’re energized, they have a lot of pep in their step, they seem really proud of what they do. So I would say this is the flagship, the model for how great leadership impacts how well our Airmen stay connected to the mission and how motivated they stay about what they do. Leadership makes all the difference.”
The top-ranking enlisted Airman asked the deployed Airmen how he can help them and shared what’s most important to him during his tenure as CMSAF.
“My key focus area is our Airmen,” Wright said. “I want to make sure they’re well trained; I want to make sure they’re well-led; and I want to make sure they are resilient. So, training, leadership and resiliency are areas that I’m working on, as well as removing any barriers to their success. Commanders and superintendents must be able to create an environment where our Airmen can thrive. The more I can put programs and processes in place, or take programs and processes out of the way, to allow them to be successful, the better we can continue to be the greatest Air Force that ever existed.”
The VCSAF agreed on the importance of Airmen and the things they can accomplish. He then spoke about the most valuable tool in the U.S. Air Force.
“We saw some cool things with the F-15s and other platforms today, but the most amazing weapon system we have is a human weapon system, and it’s called our Airmen. That’s where Airpower really generates and makes things happen.”