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380AEW Article

To See His Warriors

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kidron B. Vestal
  • Chief of Public Affairs, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  General Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, engaged servicemembers Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, in a town hall meeting at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here. 

A 'thank you' by the four-star general brought the open air meeting to order--an hour-long session of questions-and-answer that ended with the same gratitude. 

General Lichte is stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he leads active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian members in providing airlift, aerial refueling, special air mission and aeromedical evacuation for U.S. ventures throughout the world. 

His visit to the 380th AEW was in part, to see the flawless execution of his mobility mission. 

The mission of AMC is supported by General Lichte's purpose to, "Return to basics." Earlier this year, the New York native shared a vision for the command, highlighting areas of key importance--one being to, "Prepare mobility forces for the future." 

The KC-X program will produce a brand new model of the aerial refueler. This is in response to the aging fleet of current responders. "The Air Force is back in charge," General Lichte said of the politics surrounding the initiative. 

By next June, he said an announcement of the winner is expected, and a test model in place 2015 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The year 2017 would mark the next phase in KC-X's entry into the fight, though all dates he said could vary based on who is awarded the contract. 

General Lichte said that who wins is not important to him, but that the program is carried out and successful. "It's absolutely essential for America that we get this right." 

The AMC commander continued, "The tanker gives us the flexibility to go out to anywhere on the planet in hours...not days, hours." 

Upgrades to the KC-10 are in place as well, with all work scheduled for completion by 2015, said the general. The KC-10 will fly, "well into 2040 before it's to be retired." 

The $335 million avionics modification program (AMP) will include updates for the boom control units. Additionally, aircraft interior refurbishments are scheduled to occur, while significantly improving the work environment of the aircrew. 

Another mission enhancement is on the horizon as well, for the relocation of some maintenance personnel to the KC-135, said the general. 

By December 2010, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., will end its refueling mission. Aircraft will route to Hickam Air Force Base, and to another installation, said General Lichte. 

For the Air Force as a whole, July 1, 2009 marked the start of the "Year of the Family." General Lichte spoke briefly on AMC's success with the program, particularly in the area of the Key Spouse Program. 

He expounded on the need to look out for the family members of persons deployed, saying, "The people that tend to fall through the cracks are those on a 365 [day] tour." 

In the sacrifices made here, effects are mounting and lives are saved daily, said the general. "You might not realize it, because you're so close to it." 

Of the road ahead--whichever path that might be--General Lichte described the importance of wartime efforts. 

"You start to realize...this is just not going to go away. This is your generation's fight and we're going to have to get through this," likening our progress to previous, successful engagements of conflict. 

The floor was then given to his former executive officer, the current wing commander of the 380th AEW, Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Benson. 

General Benson exclaimed of his comrade, "He's out here because there's a war and he wants to see his warriors!" He then asked General Lichte to join him on the raised platform, for a greater perspective. 

In tradition, "One team, one fight!" echoed thrice throughout the pavilion, and a standing ovation commenced the evening. 

In one of his earlier assignments, General Lichte was assigned to the 380th Air 
Refueling Squadron in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Now, it seems he has come full circle. 

After 38 years of service, General Lichte plans to retire next month. 

In August, he was honored with the Order of the Sword--the highest form of recognition from the Air Force enlisted corps. Of this experience, General Lichte said, "It was absolutely fantastic...very emotional, overwhelming, and a complete surprise." 

While visiting here Oct. 9-10, 2009, General Lichte was privy to tours of the installation, and insight as to the 380th's contribution to the area of responsibility. 

The 380th AEW provides intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and aerial refueling in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Operations Iraqi Freedom, and Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.