SecAF discusses way ahead in Iraq, Afghanistan

Published Feb. 4, 2010
By Master Sgt Darrell Habisch
407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley discussed the importance of Ali Base and the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan during his visit here Sunday, Jan. 31.

Speaking to more than 500 Airmen, Secretary Donley focused on the role Ali Base plays amid the critically important events occurring in Southwest Asia today.

"You are a microcosm of what's happening during these exciting, challenging times," he said while describing the drawdown of forces in Iraq. "Here you have Army, Navy and Air Force working together and focused on the successful completion of our mission."

The secretary of the Air Force noted that the Air Force mission here is based on an excellent roadmap of the future and that we have turned a corner in Iraq. "We are withdrawing our combat forces in Iraq to meet the December 2011 deadline," he said.

Responding to a question from Staff Sgt. Roy Elley Jr., NCOIC, Munitions Accountability, 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron and deployed from the 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., concerning what the Air Force footprint in the AOR will resemble in five years, Secretary Donley said that issue is under active discussions.

"We are responsibly withdrawing our combat troops now," he explained. "If the Iraqi Air Force wants to partner with us at that time, we stand ready to support any agreement they reach with the United States."

Expanding on that theme, Secretary Donley stated that the work occurring in Afghanistan is geared toward the same conclusion seen in Iraq. "The goal is to put into place a drawdown plan as we have here."

The United States is helping Iraq and Afghanistan in their efforts to create a more stable security environment, according to Secretary Donley. "It is in our best interests that we assist these countries to meet their needs locally and to rely less on other countries for their own security requirements."

During the Airmen's Call, Secretary Donley reenlisted Staff Sgt. Eric Hinton, an Air Transporter with the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron deployed from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron, Yakota Air Base, Japan.

He also participated in the promotions of two Airmen, Staff Sgt. Chiquita Adams, Knowledge Operations Manager, 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron deployed from the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and Staff Sgt. Kiley Beck, Client Systems Technician, 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron deployed from 3rd Combat Communications Support Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

After the Airmen's Call, Secretary Donley toured Bedrock, including the Hot Spot recreation center and Muscle Beach fitness center.

He also visited the soon to be completed air traffic control tower, receiving a construction update from Col. Jeffry Knipple, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander and District Engineer for the Gulf Region Division South District; Lt. Col. Stephen Carson, commander, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron and Army Maj. Melanie Dugar, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Adder Resident Officer in Charge.

While there, he discussed the assignment of the tower to the Air Force from the Army Corps of Engineers and the eventual turn-over of the tower to the Iraqi Air Force, commenting that this is a major milestone toward the goal of a viable Iraqi Air Force.

Continuing on his tour of Ali Base, Secretary Donley visited the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. The secretary of the Air Force mentioned that additional emphasis will be placed upon the Predator mission in the future. "Embracing new technologies is what sets us apart from others," he said.

Secretary Donley dined with Airmen at the Dining Facility and mentioned that we are facing challenges that did not exist fifteen years ago, such as requirements to safeguard cyberspace. "We need to balance today's work with tomorrow's needs," he said.

He also emphasized The Air Force's Year of the Family initiative, stating that "We need to support our families, so they can support you."

Secretary Donley concluded his visit by stressing that senior leadership understands that even with all the necessary tools available to generate combat capabilities, "It's you, the men and women of the Air Force, who make it all work."

JET Airmen