Wing CC departs; gives thanks to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Dave Scott
  • 354th Fighter Wing Commander
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Thank you!

Twenty months ago I had the honor and privilege to take command of the finest Wing in the United States Air Force. 

I still remember standing on the podium and looking out at the formation and wondering how I was/am so blessed to have been chosen to command a Wing, let alone the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

That day was the luckiest day of our life and Lisa and I cannot put into words the feelings we feel today as we move on to another assignment. I am sure we could get into the dictionary and come up with lots of adverbs and adjectives, but what we really want to do is pass our most heartfelt thanks to each and every Airmen (with a capital "A") civilian, contractor, spouse, dependant, and the community - to all of you who have made this assignment without a doubt the best in our career. THANK YOU! Thank you so very much!

From day one deploying our maintainers and operators and support folks to the desert in negative 40 degree weather, this base has been on full speed.

The Maintenance Group produced sorties in conditions here in Alaska (well below zero) to Afghanistan well above zero; what an awesome feat.

The Medical Group is taking care of our entire military, civilian, and dependant families through the finest medical care in the interior of Alaska. And that is not easy.

The Mission Support Group continues to build on our quality of life projects that are beginning to take fruition; in 2008 this base will have a completely different look because of the efforts of these men and women.

The Operations Group has transitioned from two Fighter Squadrons to an Aggressor Squadron and Combat Training Squadron to complement the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron and Operations Support Squadron and become the premier training base for our Combat Air Force with the finest range in the free world.

Our Fighter Wing Staff Agencies have been supporting all the groups to make sure we continue to operate at 100 percent.

If anyone believes Eielson Air Force Base is a sleepy hollow, they need to spend a few hours with each of you. You all have not only put Eielson on the map, you have placed your legacy here for years to come.

And finally, to our community - you are truly part of the Air Force family and a huge part of the heart and soul of Eielson. We are very lucky to be able to share the Interior of Alaska with a community who takes such great care of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. We thank you!

As Lisa and I leave Eielson, we leave with smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes.

There are so many mixed emotions. But most importantly, we leave knowing this base is in fantastic hands - the hands of all the men and women who execute the mission here every single day.

Thank you for all of your support. Thank you for all you have done for not only Eielson and the Air Force, but for our country. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and souls.

Lisa and I will never forget our time at Eielson and in the Interior of Alaska. It has been truly the ride of our life and we look forward to serving with all of you again in the future. God's Speed and never forget, People First ... Mission Always!