SECAF visits Shindand Air Base

Published Sept. 8, 2011
By 1st Lt. Rob Payne
838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group

SHINDAND, Afghanistan -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Airmen at the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group at Shindand Air Base, Sept. 5, as part of a multi-stop visit to Afghanistan.

The focus of his trip to Shindand, as well as the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing in Kabul, was to observe current efforts to develop the Afghan air force and engage with Airmen serving in an adviser role.

During his stop at Shindand, the secretary was shown how the base is developing into the main hub of all AAF pilot training as well as how the 838th AEAG supports International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.

While introducing Donley during an Airmen's Call, Col. John Hokaj, 838th AEAG commander, explained the importance of the work Airmen at the group are doing at the air base.

"Shindand Airmen have played an integral role over the past year to train and advise the AAF, emphasizing the importance airpower will play," he said.

Hokaj also highlighted the central role the mission of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan plays in the transition of responsibility for stability throughout Afghanistan.

During the course of the visit, Donley was given a mission brief and tour focused on the advising mission and on-going construction projects on the base.

The secretary also visited the Mi-17 helicopter training detachment and met with AAF Mi-17 aircraft maintenance professionals. In addition, he toured the U.S. Army Role 2 medical facility.
"Shindand Air Base is going to be the premier training base for the Afghan air force," Donley told Airmen at the base. "You're part of a huge piece of history right now."

The visit culminated with a luncheon where he thanked the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and NATO allies serving at Shindand. He recognized the key role the 838th AEAG plays in providing stability for Afghanistan through the NATO Air Training Command's mission and how the unit supports the on-going operations within Afghanistan.

Donley also stressed the growing importance of the Shindand Air Base and NTM-A mission and answered questions from Airmen on various topics, to include uniform issues, retirement benefits concerns and budgetary items, as well as regional policy.

"I thought that the lunch today was a great morale boost," said Airman 1st Class James Glantz, 838th AEAG. "To hear the secretary recognize the mission that we are doing here was very uplifting."

Shindand Air Base is the second largest base in Afghanistan and will be home to the only undergraduate pilot training base in the AAF.