SECAF sees bright future for Eielson Airmen

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Bryon McGarry
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne highlighted the importance of the Iceman mission to the future of the Air Force and victory in the Global War on Terror during his visit with Eielson Airmen May 8 to 10. 

During a trip to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron Wednesday, he praised Alaskan Airmen for their dedication and resolve in facing the additional challenges of extreme climate and remoteness particular to the state while still performing far above standards, and confirmed that Eielson Air Force Base is a viable and essential asset in America's defense. 

"I've really enjoyed my visit to Eielson," Secretary Wynne said.  "It's a base with a very important future mission and a changing mission. With Red Flag-Alaska coming in, I think it's going to be a major base for us well into the future." 

Considering Eielson-unique assets such as RF-A, the Pacific theater's premier joint-service and allied air combat training exercise, and the 3rd ASOS, the Secretary stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination in winning America's battles. 

"It's all about total force integration and joint operations," he said. "We rely very heavily on our Guard and Reserve to accomplish our mission and our relationship with them has never been better.  We use their talents, we rely on their expertise and we see their experience base as truly helping us to be a better Air Force." 

In today's world of joint operations, most active-duty Airmen have worked with Guard and Reserve professionals at some point in their careers to accomplish the mission, but perhaps no other Airmen can boast the camaraderie and close-knit operational ties to sister services than those attached to an ASOS unit. 

Tech Sgt. Thomas Moody, 3rd ASOS battalion air liaison officer, said that his unit's Airmen work so cohesively with Soldiers and Marines in the field because ground commanders know they can count on the high caliber of Airmen in the fight today with them.  

He added that he was proud to represent Eielson to the Secretary. "I think it's great that Secretary Wynne came here to see his air warriors," he said.  "You really don't know your man until you can see him, look him in the eye and shake his hand.  It's a great opportunity for us to show him that we are in the fight." 

The Secretary echoed Sergeant Moody's words. 

"We recognize very well that we need to establish, as a habit of thought in our ground commanders, spherical situational awareness, so that they realize that our JTACS (joint tactical air controllers) and our air support can really provide them the stuff that ensures victory," he said.  "In our joint and coalition operations, we really believe in connectivity - we set the conditions for both strategic and tactical victory.  We are the nation's sword and shield and we do it together." 

The Secretary added that mission success starts with Air Force's number-one priority - its people. "The Air Force has been at war for 17 years, and without a doubt, we need to continue to care for our Airmen and families to succeed in the Global War on Terror," he said.  "The Air Force recruits Airmen but it retains families, and therefore we are always very interested in improving quality of life for our people." 

The Secretary also addressed the application of Air Force Smart Operations 21 and how collective understanding of the initiative will bolster the Air Force of tomorrow. 

"We value the service of our Airmen, whether active, Reserve, Guard or civilian, and we believe that in every case, they are intending to bring value to our Air Force," Secretary Wynne said.  "Today, our Airmen are going to have to carry a slightly heavier load, but we're trying to do it smartly and efficiently using AFSO21.  If we can do that, we can be proud to know that our efforts have resulted in a better Air Force in 2015 and 2020 than ever before, and this is our bottom-line duty." 

Praise for the Iceman Team was not limited to those in uniform, as the Secretary shared his appreciation with all members of Team Eielson for their contributions to mission success. 

"Thank you to the men and women of Eielson for all you do, but especially for taking care of your deployed Airmen and the families of the deployed in your care," he said.  "It is a hallmark of our Air Force that we care about each other - I congratulate Eielson, because you epitomize integrity, service and excellence, the three core values of our Air Force." 

Perhaps best summarizing his impression of the Iceman Team and his visit to Alaska, the Secretary noted the mild summer weather - a secret that may not remain one for too long. 

"Forevermore I'll be thinking that anybody who says it's cold here is thinking something else," the Secretary said.  "What they're probably saying is, 'you know, we really don't want anyone else to come here - that way, we can get this assignment.'"