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Lt. Gen Gary North visits the 379th AEW

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mike Andrews
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs chief
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Central Command Air Forces and 9th Air Force commander, visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Oct. 27, visiting Airmen of all ranks across the wing and reminding them of the vital role they play in prosecuting the war on terror. 

Brig. Gen Charlie Lyon, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, provided General North an update on wing support of operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and in the Horn of Africa. In addition, Gen Lyon provided a snapshot of installation and facilities improvements as the wing transitions from an expeditionary to an enduring mission here. 

General North first visited the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, commanded by Lt Col Robert "Hassle" Hoff. General North spoke with LRS Airmen about the importance of service with a smile while touring the squadron. 

"When deployers arrive and get off that rotator after a 25-hour flight, greet them with a smile" said General North. 

"Continue to treat every Airman with the respect, dignity, and integrity they deserve and let them know you'll see them in 4, 6 or 12 months when their deployment is finished." 

General North also visited the civil engineer and communications squadrons and commented on the importance of a strong infrastructure and defense against cyber attacks. 

General North next visited operations group and maintenance group squadrons who have synergistically flown thousands of airlift, refueling, reconnaissance and close air support missions over both Iraq and Afghanistan saving American and coalition member lives. 

Visiting the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron commanded by Lt Col Timothy Coger, General North commended the hard work necessary to keep aircraft mission ready. 

"What you do is critically important especially to those on the ground being engaged by the enemy who need these aircraft providing close air support," said General North. 

Several star performers from each squadron were coined by General North who listened to a description of their achievements, thanked them for their service and praised their hard work. 

General North also delivered a message to Airmen to always look to become a better Airman. 

"This is the crown jewel base in the CENTAF area of responsibility providing numerous physical, educational and spiritual opportunities," said Gen North. 

"Take advantage of the education center and improve yourself but don't forget to hit the gym and improve physically."