SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, took time to speak with more than 300 personnel from 380th Air Expeditionary Wing during an all-call, Oct. 19, 2015.
The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups, 16 squadrons and approximately 3,000 personnel who support Operation Inherent Resolve with airstrikes, aerial refueling support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
Its mission partners include an Army air defense battalion, a Navy aerial maritime surveillance detachment and Coalition members making it one of the most diverse combat wings in the AF.
Carlisle's visit to the wing was part of annual tour of the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility to meet with airmen deployed from Air Combat Command. He toured several locations around the base including the Air Warfare Center, air control facilities and various flying squadrons while coining outstanding performers before the start of the all-call.
During the all-call, Carlisle spoke to airmen about subjects ranging from the start of his career in the Air Force 41 years ago to equipping warfighters with emerging sixth-generation weaponry and his priorities as commander.
"I will never ask you to do a mission that I do not provide the proper equipment, training and personnel to do," he said. "If you feel you have not been properly trained please let us know."
Carlisle also commented on the need for airmen to participate in events outside of work and build resiliency to face the likelihood of hard times while deployed.
"When you get here you see it's kind of a cool place to be and has a lot of activities to do. Figure out what you need to do here to take care of yourself," he said. "If you get to those darkest days in your life you need to know ahead of time how to get yourself out."
During his speech, he praised the dedication of members of the 380th AEW.
"This is an incredibly complex and challenging battlefield," he said. "You're executing the most precise air power mission in the world, 20-plus years ago this place was nowhere near capable of doing the mission you do today."
He also answered questions from the audience on subjects such as rest and dwell time for deployments, increased flying hours for personnel and aircraft as well as his thoughts on the evolution of air power.
"It's amazing to watch how far our technology has come and to see some of the things we're testing out now, but we've got to stay ahead on it," said Carlisle. "Our advantage, technology-wise, is something we’ve got to stay ahead on and that means modernizing the force faster."