CMSAF speaks with Airmen during visit to Hill AFB

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

During a visit to Hill Air Force Base, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass shared her goals and priorities with 300 Airmen during an all-call event. 
 
Bass said one of her top priorities is taking care of Airmen and their families. 
 
“What we as leaders have to get after, and specifically what I’m focused on the most, has to do with programs that help people,” Bass said. “Whatever is important to you and whatever is important to your families, that’s what I’m focused on. We have to do our part to take care of you so you can continue to do great things.” 
 
She said although she is interested in retaining strong Airmen, she isn’t as concerned with length of an enlistment as she is with how an Airmen serves his or her time. 

“I tell our Airmen all the time, I don’t care if they just do one enlistment,” Bass said. “What I care about is while they are serving, that they do great things for their organizations.” 
 
Bass said the need for excellence is more important now than ever.  She said there is a focus on being strong in multiple domains, including air, land, sea, space, cyber and information and that if we don’t make the right changes, we stand to lose. 
 
“I’ll submit that you’re probably going to see more changes in the next six years than I’ve seen in my 29-year career,” she said. “We’ve got work to do if we’re going to stay ahead of our strategic competitors, like China and Russia, and have the Air Force we need in 2030 and beyond.” 
 
Bass wrapped up the all-call by thanking those in uniform for their service. 
 
“Thank you for what you do,” Bass said. “Thank you for wearing the uniform and please thank your families for their sacrifices and all they do to ensure you’re able to do what the Air Force needs of you.”