AFCENT commander addresses graduates

Published Sept. 26, 2016
By Capt. Meghan O’Rourke
479th Flying Training Group Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION-PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Graduates of the Air Force Combat Systems Officer course class 16-15 were in attendance as Lt. Gen. Jeffery Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command spoke of experiences in planning and conducting air operations in Central and Southwest Asia Sept. 16, at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

Harrigian was the guest speaker for a ceremony that was the culmination of training for sixteen Airmen who will now go on to perform duties as electronic warfare officers, weapons systems officers, and panel navigators.

Since Aug. 2014, the air coalition has continued to shape the battlefield in Iraq and Syria, by conducting more than 45,500 sorties and employing over 55,300 weapons against Da’esh in support of Operational Inherent Resolve.

“It is a rare opportunity to have the AFCENT commander attend one of our graduations, so pay close attention to his advice,” said Col. John Edwards, 479th Flying Training Group commander, to the assembled graduates and their guests.

After charging the graduates to prepare themselves mentally for the next challenge, Harrigian showed the audience an unclassified coalition airstrike, weapon systems video from operations in theater. The video was a reminder of the exacting adherence to procedures, discipline, and precision effects that are required in today’s warfare.

“The team of Airmen that are delivering these precision effects consists of members just like you,” Harrigian said. “They were in your shoes not that long ago. Remember that no other force is capable of delivering the fight to the enemy like ours and we do it every single day,” said Harrigian.

“After 4,100 hours in fighter aircraft, you could say that I’ve learned a few things,”Harrigian continued. “I encourage you to become an expert in your aircraft and to continue working hard. Be proactive and never stop asking questions.”

Harrigian emphasized the importance of balancing a military career with personal life.

“We will demand that you deliver every time you step into your aircraft,” he said. “We will ask you to work harder than you ever have in your lives. But you also need to spend some quality time with your loved ones.”

Harrigian concluded his speech with a welcome that promises an important role on an important mission in dynamic times.

“It is an exciting time to be in our Air Force,” he said. “There is a lot going on and it is changing every day. You will be in the middle of this fight before you know it and I look forward to seeing you downrange.”

For more information on Combat System Officer training, click here.