SecAF visits 380 AEW

Published March 21, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Michael Means
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing during her first overseas tour, March 19, 2014.

To meet her objectives of learning more about the mission and role of the 380 AEW and meeting Airmen, the 23rd SecAF toured the flight line, had a walking tour of the base, and held an Airmen's call.

"I've learned the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing is truly a hub for everything we are doing in this part of the world," said James. "This is a base that has it all. Whether we are talking about fighters, mobility, ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) or command and control, all of these missions are carried out here."

During the Airmen's call, James brought thanks from the leadership in Washington, D.C.

"I am glad to be here; I hear about what you all do and there is no substitute to coming here and walking the ground and seeing the mission that you work in and getting a sense of the rapid pace of life."

During the Airmen's call, James spoke about her career history and leadership experience, priorities, challenges the Air Force is facing, and core values.

"I am a new Airman, but I am not new to the area of defense," she said. "I've been in and around the world of defense for my entire adult life."

The first priority she discussed was taking care of people.

"My entire career I've focused on people issues," she said. "I think people are the linkage that brings everything together."

The second priority was balancing today's readiness with tomorrow's readiness.

"Balancing today's readiness with tomorrow's readiness is making sure that we have the modernized platforms," she said. "By doing so, we need the new planes, equipment and technologies to carry us forward into the future."

Her last priority was to make sure every dollar counts.

"We need to make sure that everything we do has value to the tax payer," said James. "Everyone has a role to play in making every dollar count.

"These priorities are going to permeate everything I'll be working on over the next several years," said James.

She also discussed the strategic environment and core values and took questions from Airmen.

"We need to remind ourselves continually about the importance of Integrity, Service and Excellence," said James.

"I am thoroughly impressed and glad to be out on the road seeing what our Airmen are doing in the field," said James. "You truly are the tip of the spear of our efforts in the theater."

The secretary wrapped up the Airmen's call by thanking Airmen for what they do.

"I want to thank you for the magnificent job you are doing," she said. "As I walk around and talk to Airmen and see how passionate, excited and committed they are to doing what they do, it makes me optimistic about being and remaining the best Air Force in the world."