Maj. Gen. Handy visits 332 AEW

Published Nov. 8, 2011
By Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The senior Air Force representative in Iraq revisited the Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing to check on their progress and thank them for their contributions to Operation New Dawn.

Maj. Gen. Russell Handy, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq commander and Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq director, toured an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Nov. 5, 2011, to see how the once near-bare base has transformed.

"Thanks for everything you have done," said Handy at a base-wide all call. "As your commander, I can tell you there are many, many eyes on what you do. Everyone who is operating in Iraq knows the importance of what you do because they know there is airpower."

"I was here just a few months ago and it was totally barren," continued the general. "I know what it took to establish operations and do what you do."

Throughout his visit, the general explained to the Airmen their role in Operation New Dawn.

"You are making history in the last days and weeks of Operation New Dawn," said the general. "The last people in operations are standing in this room protecting the last Americans and supporting the last operations in Iraq." Handy also complimented the 332nd AEW Airmen for the work they have already done with the transition of the wing's former home, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. "You guys all have a big task as 30,000 Americans leave bases and transition," he said. "You have already done that with the upcoming transition of JBB, the second largest American installation in Iraq and the only base led by the Air Force. I couldn't be more proud of the transition of JBB."

"We are going to comply with the security agreement to remove military forces from Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011, save some small forces under the auspices of the Ambassador," he added.

The general explained that as forces transition, flexible fire power will be needed and that is what the 332nd AEW provides.

"Your environment is always changing and that's tough," said Handy. "You and the people that came before you built the foundation for a long-time enduring partnership. The legacy that you leave behind is the opportunity that Iraq now has. It's up to the Government of Iraq, but the people of Iraq have nothing but promise in the future."

Handy reminded the Airmen that the work they have done is also for the 4,500 Americans who have given the ultimate sacrifice and the tens of thousands of Americans who have been wounded.

"10, 20, 30 years down the road you may be setting up another base and you will talk about how you were the last bastion of airpower now," said the general.

Handy then opened the floor for questions.

Airman 1st Class Gerald Gregory, 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, asked,

"What do you foresee as the military mission in the U.S. Central Command after Operation New Dawn?"

"I think we will continue to fight terrorism in this area. We will be here if they need us, building a long-term partnership. This is also a deterrent for threats. We need a presence of strength for stability and training. We will also train with our partners. I was recently asked, 'Was it worth it?' Keeping this region stable has a huge impact. If bad things happen in the Middle East, bad things happen in the world."

Senior Airman Daniel Boothe, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, asked,

"How does Air and Space Expeditionary Force Next compare to our current AEF?"

"AEF Next is something we've been talking about for a while. The theory is all about trying to pull back from a more fragmented way of sourcing. A long time ago, we deployed as units and prepared as units. This is kind of the same thing. We will pair units with other squadrons to fill thousands of slots so we don't break the base or infrastructure."

Airman 1st Class Adrian Mendoza, 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, asked,

"Do you foresee change in the force structure following the drawdown?"

"The demand is high and it will continue to be there. I don't see the force structure increasing, it may decrease a little and then level off, but the dwell will continue to be demanding. There's still a lot for us to do in the world."

Chief Master Sgt. Mike Hanning, 9th AETF-Iraq and ACCE-Iraq command chief, provided closing remarks.

"You are the last Americans in Iraq, be proud of what that means for the future for you and that country," he said. "You've seen the way to stand up an air base and produce combat power. Continue to do what you are doing and thank you for what you're doing."