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380AEW Article

Coalition Leader visits the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sybil Taunton
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
 

Maj. Gen. Jay B. Silveria, Deputy Commander, Combined Air Force Air Component, U.S. Central Command, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, June 18.

Responsible for the command and control of air operations in a 20-nation area of responsibility covering Central and Southwest Asia, Maj. Gen. Silveria discussed the purpose of his visit with the AEW.

“This is an opportunity for me to visit with the men and women of the 380th and learn what some of their issues are and where we can help them as they are executing their mission every day,” Silveria said. “I’ve been in the Air Force for 31 years and there is nothing more motivating than seeing men and women that are in a deployed location, that are executing the mission, that are motivated, that are proud of what they do and want to do more.”

During the visit Maj. Gen. Silveria met with Airmen, Soldiers and Coalition partners to answer questions and get an inside look at the Wing’s daily operations.

“The questions these men and women have asked me show me how interested they are in the outcome, how interested they are in results, and it’s just remarkable to even get to be a part of it for one day,” the General said. 

Maj. Gen. Silveria took an opportunity to discuss the Air Coalition’s efforts against Da’esh and the impact those contributions have had in supporting indigenous ground forces.

“We are making such a difference every day on the battlefield against Da’esh,” Silveria said. “We’re making a difference by providing air power, but we’re also making a difference by providing encouragement to the ground force. Da’esh has lost a lot of territory and we’re really truly seeing a difference.”

The 380th AEW is comprised of over 3,000 personnel, delivering air-to-ground, intelligence and reconnaissance, and aerial refueling support across the CENTCOM area of operation. Maj. Gen. Silveria discussed how the men and women of the Wing contribute to the Air Force Central Command mission.

“For AFCENT we have three missions; we’re defending the region, we’re delivering air power, and we’re developing relationships. The 380th is central to mission accomplishment.” Silveria said.

The General explained that the defense of the region is accomplished by providing support to indigenous ground forces with precision coalition airpower capability. He noted that the Wing delivers tangible air power results every single day with flying operations; working closely    with Coalition and host nation partners. The wing has flown more than 3,600 sorties and expended nearly 3,000 weapons striking critical infrastructure and impacting Da’esh revenue streams.

“The 380th is delivering air power in the most precise air war in history,” Silveria said. “It’s groundbreaking to watch and it’s impressive to be a part of. We continue to deny the enemy space and territory to act and in turn, are creating space and time for indigenous forces to ultimately defeat Da’esh. Airpower is creating Da’esh decision-making confusion and the 380th is a big part of that.”