SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein visited the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, August 21, 2017.
This is Wilson’s first tour of the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility as Secretary of the Air Force. The visit provided an up-close look at the mission of the 332nd AEW and how it generates, executes, and sustains combat air and space power and combat search and rescue forces across the Levant.
“We have Airmen throughout the world accomplishing remarkable missions every day,” Goldfein said. “It’s important to take the time to meet these service members who put everything else on hold to combat the threats we face.”
During their brief time with the 332nd AEW, Wilson and Goldfein learned about its heritage and how the wing still carries the proud name of the Tuskegee Airmen as they bring the fight to ISIS throughout the region.
“I wasn’t aware of all the pieces of this wing,” Wilson said. “It was good to learn about where it’s been and the impact it makes now.”
Not only did they see the impact of current operations, they also got a glimpse at the wing’s future plans as it continues to grow and ultimately bring stability to the region.
“You’re not only impacting the base, what you’re doing is supporting the entire mission,” Wilson said. “Thank you for taking this time away from your family. RED HORSE Airmen are always out front and they should be proud of their accomplishments here.”
Wilson and Goldfein toured different squadrons and spoke with many expeditionary Airmen, learning about their contributions to the mission and thanking them for their service. They also took the time to learn about the Airmen on a personal level and ask them about their time in the Air Force.
“It was a great experience for me, especially being a young Airman,” said Airman Traivon Lee, 332nd Expeditionary Force Support Squadron sports director. “They were interested in what I want to do with my career and how far I wanted to go. They kept it about me.
“A lot of people look up to them and want to see them because most of us haven’t,” he added. “It boosts our morale for them to do this for us.”
Before departing the AOR, Wilson and Goldfein made their final stop on the flight line to meet aircrew, maintainers and support personnel. The Air Force leaders shook their hands and thanked them for everything they do to keep the mission flying day after day.
“The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is in the right hands,” Wilson said. “These Airmen have continued to carry the proud legacy of those who came before them.”