An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

New Chairman visits Bagram Airfield

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The military's top servicemember visited here Oct. 7 to check on operations in Afghanistan and hear the concerns of military members. 

Admiral Michael Mullen, the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanked servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices during an "All-Hands Call" for E-6s and below. 

Topics that Admiral Mullen covered included leadership, keeping military pay and benefits competitive, and progress in Afghanistan. 

"I want to express my gratitude for what you are doing," Admiral Mullen said to the audience. "Your service to our country and to a cause greater than yourself is a big deal," he said. 

He also addressed concerns about operations tempo and recognized the challenges servicemembers are facing in today's deployed environment. 

"I'm worried a great deal about the stress on the ground forces, the pace of operations, the length of deployments, and the impact it has on members and their families," he said. "We've got to make sure we move forward in a way where we relieve some of that stress." 

He also highlighted his desire to ensure today's military is fully equipped and prepared for a mission that will extend far into the future. After the meeting, Admiral Mullen met with senior enlisted advisors and had dinner with various military commanders here to get more input from the field. 

"I'm grateful for what you are doing; your service, the support of your families to do it, and I really think you are making a huge difference in a vital part of the world. Take care of yourselves and I wish each and every one of you nothing but the best," he said.