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SecAF, CMSAF visit ‘The Rock’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicole Manzanares
  • 386th AEW Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (12/30/12) - --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy met with Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here December 30.

Donley and Roy visited the 386th AEW and held an Airman's Call as part of a multi-base tour to meet with deployed Airmen within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

During the Airman's Call, both personally thanked the Airmen for the sacrifices they make every day. Donley and Roy addressed the importance of the mission here at 'The Rock,' and the significant role Airmen assigned to 386th AEW play in not only building partnership with the host nation but also keeping everyone safe and out of harm's way.

"It's particularly important to take this opportunity at this time of year to thank you for all you do for our Air Force and our nation at this very forward, pointy end of a spear," said Donley. "It's been said before and remains true that our Airmen and families make countless sacrifices to serve our nation and to keep America secure. Our nation depends on you to conduct missions and maintain vigilance."

As part of their visit, Donley and Roy were also given a first-hand look at the mission of the wing.

"When you come to this theater, you see the entire scope of the Air Force mission all working together as a coherent joint team," said Donley.

"This mission here has changed over the years, but it is just as important today as it has always been," said Roy. "And as we prepare to engage and defend for the future, it will remain just as critical."

Donley and Roy also spoke candidly about the Air Force's current operations tempo as well as international and domestic challenges facing the nation.

Donley highlighted that despite the challenges facing the Air Force, he is confident in the ability of the Service's total force Airmen to accomplish the mission.

"The Air Force will stand firm on our strategic choices, trade in size to maintain a quality force and stay focused on readiness and modernization," said Donley. "America needs a ready Air Force."