An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Air Force top leaders bring praise, vision of future to deployed Airmen

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian Davidson
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group
SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq --  The Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force praised Airmen for their role in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and discussed the "way ahead" during their on-going visit to meet face-to-face with Airmen deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Col. David Pavey, 447th Air Expeditionary Group commander, gave Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley a detailed unit mission briefing before introducing them to Airmen who had gathered for a town hall-style meeting.

"There's only a very small percentage of Americans who wear the military uniform of our country, and I'm proud of you and proud to serve with you," opened General Schwartz. "All of the things you are accomplishing right here in the crucible are remarkable, and your actions here will dictate what America's reputation will be going forward--not just in Iraq, but world-wide."

Airmen from the 447th AEG watched and listened closely as their top general discussed how every career field plays a critical part in getting the job done. "When I visit other bases in the AOR, I explain to Airmen that we must commit to being 'all in,' no matter what our specific job is--but no one is further in than you, the people who are right here on the ground in Iraq."

General Schwartz acknowledged the Air Force has been through some turbulent times over the past months as he explained that the Air Force was responsible for the stewardship of America's nuclear arsenal. "This is one of our most important responsibilities," he said. "We maintain the most lethal weapons in the world, and we must meet that responsibility without mistakes and without fail."

He explained how that same attitude of excellence must be a part of everything the Air Force does. "There are some things you must do in life where the outcome is all that matters, and how you get there is not really important," General Schwartz said. "There are other things where how you accomplish something is equally, or even more important than the outcome."

"I will argue that we need that kind of discipline in everything we do. It applies to aircraft maintenance, cops, medical, logistics, readiness and any other mission you could name," he said. "It's the Air Force way. It's the right way. The key for our future is to do the right things the right way."

The general went on to explain that he and Chief McKinley were here speaking with Airmen because they wanted to hear what's on their minds.

Airmen took turns talking with General Schwartz about issues including career field reorganization, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve deployment taskings, deployment training and the on-going operations in Iraq.

After the meeting, the CSAF and CMSAF spent time visiting with Airmen from the Coalition Air Force Training Team who are helping train and develop the Iraqi air force.
Later, Chief McKinley traveled across the Victory Base Complex for a meeting with enlisted Airmen assigned to other units throughout Baghdad.

In the meeting CMSAF McKinley talked about issues that impact enlisted members Air Force-wide.

"Our top priority is to reinvigorate the nuclear enterprise, and we're going to stand up a new command to address that issue," Chief McKinley said. "There are still questions to answer about where it will be located, but it is going to give us the ability to overcome the challenges we faced in the past."

The chief also explained that organizing, training and equipping Airmen to win the Global War on Terrorism, taking care of Airmen and their families, and retention of first term Airmen will continue to be the focus of attention for General Schwartz and himself.

Chief McKinley then said that his personal focus for all Airmen is physical fitness. "We are each responsible for maintaining the highest level of readiness possible," he said. "And, only through our physical fitness can we maintain that readiness."

The chief answered questions about the enlisted performance report system, smoking cessation and physical fitness standards as well as changes to the Air Expeditionary Force construct.

When he discussed upcoming changes to the Airman Battle Uniform and physical training uniform, his comments brought applause from the audience.

"We are looking at a new style of boot for the ABU, and we will be getting a better and lighter fabric for the ABU soon," he said. "We have also made great strides in improving the PT uniform with better fabrics and a better design, and you will all see those improvements next year."

Before the meeting ended, Chief McKinley offered a heart-felt thanks to Airmen for their commitment to service.

During their time in Baghdad, General Schwartz and Chief McKinley also met with other senior military leaders before continuing on to visit Airmen at other locations within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.