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AFCENT commander visits 386th AEW, tours facilities

  • Published
  • By Capt. Heath Allen
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The U.S. Air Forces Central Command's top brass visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing recently and toured The Rock's facilities, received mission briefings from wing leadership and met with Marauders during his day-long stay on base.

Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, AFCENT commander, observed firsthand the 386th's commitment to its mission and Airmen.

The 386th is the primary tactical airlift hub for re-supply missions supporting coalition operations and provides combat service support to land component forces throughout the Persian Gulf region and Iraq.

"Your mission is critical," Gen. Hostage said to members of the 386th during his visit. "Nothing happens in this area of responsibility unless you can feed, arm and supply folks and you are the lifeline for that."

Colonel Patrick Mordente, 386th commander, said Gen. Hostage's visit furnished the wing with the opportunity to exhibit the progress achieved at The Rock.

"This visit gave us the opportunity to showcase the Marauder's A2IM [Airmen and Allies, Infrastructure, and Mission]," Col. Mordente said. "We have made great progress in taking care of our Airmen and being good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars. It also provided us with the opportunity to show how effectively we've maintained mission readiness, what challenges lie ahead, and how we plan to meet those challenges. We are proud of our Airmen and their accomplishments and this visit allowed us to show how all our Air Force Airmen, active, Guard and Reserve, continue to make this wing's mission a huge success."

General Hostage observed a demonstration from the U.S. Forces Central Command Military Working Dog hub at the 386th and was also briefed on a potential expansion of the program.

The tour then shifted to the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's passenger terminal where Gen. Hostage was briefed on the wing's new all-Air Force customs team, the first of its kind in the AFCENT Area of Responsibility.

The 386th also highlighted its recent dormitory refurbishments with a visit to one of the completed renovation projects.

General Hostage also made stops at the 386th Force Support Squadron's Wired and Flex facilities where he was briefed on what recreation and morale options are available for Marauders in their off-duty hours.

General Hostage also donated his time to visit with Airmen during lunch at the 386th's Desert Winds Dining Hall.

"All of you made a choice to join the military," Gen. Hostage said to a group of 386th Airmen. "Whatever the reason, the fact that you chose to put on a uniform is important. Each of you grew up with the chance to make your own decisions as to your path in life. The freedom to choose was guaranteed for you by men and women, generations ago, who put on a uniform and defended that freedom.

"Today, my children and grandchildren are growing up, with the opportunity to make their own life choices. They enjoy that freedom because you have chosen to serve your country and defend our way of life. You are guaranteeing freedom for all Americans. As a grandparent, as a parent and fellow warrior I say thanks. Thanks for putting on the uniform, thanks for serving. It doesn't matter if you served for one tour, 20 years or 34. What you are doing is important; it's guaranteeing our way of life. Thanks for serving."