AF Chief of Staff visits Eielson

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Air Force's top officer, Gen. Norton Schwartz, visited the service's most northern base to meet with field leadership and hear from Airmen July 2.

What happens at places like Eielson Air Force Base are important to accomplishing the Air Force mission stressed the Air Force Chief of Staff during an Airman's call at the base theater.

"Every job is important, everybody counts, everybody matters and everybody has to play their position in order to be successful," he said. "No one should measure their importance, or their worth, by their proximity to the fight."

The "all call" was a chance for the chief of staff to address issues that were of interest to Airmen, from the recent uniform changes and the current deployment tempo and manning, to the outlook on unmanned aerial vehicle pilots.

During the two-day visit, the chief of staff toured Eielson's newest facilities - the base chapel and AAFES shopping center - as well as some key facilities at the base like the RED FLAG-Alaska building. Eielson highlighted operational and quality of life achievements as the tip of PACAF's 'strategic triangle' and showcased active duty, guard and community partnerships.

While General Schwartz attended briefings and visited with Airmen, Mrs. Suzie Schwartz visited programs and facilities that impact the Iceman Team mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. She stopped by the community center, youth center, Airman and Family Readiness Center and North Star Café, to see the workforce and facilities that support the Eielson family.

Clear Air Force Station, Fort Greeley, and Elmendorf AFB rounded out their Alaska itinerary.