SecAF visits Moody AFB, observes combat capabilities

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Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley is briefed on the mission of the HC-130P King by members of the 71st Rescue Squadron March 8, 2011, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)
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• MICHAEL B. DONLEY

SecAF visits Moody AFB, observes combat capabilities

Posted 3/9/2011

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by Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
23rd Wing Public Affairs

3/9/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- The secretary of the Air Force visited here March 8 to observe the base's "Attack, Rescue, Protect" mission and the resources needed to accomplish it.

During his first visit, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley met with Airmen, from various career fields, who are essential to accomplishing the base's mission.

"The Airmen and aircraft here are all highly valued and provide capabilities that will be useful for a long time to come," he said. "I was honored to meet the Airmen here. I was very impressed with the incredible synergy between all the different types of assets."

As part of his visit, the secretary was given a firsthand look at the capabilities provided by Moody Air Force Base's tenant unit, the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing.

"We provide the first-in capability that will allow us to defend anything we need at a moment's notice," said Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher, the 820th Base Defense Group operations superintendent. "It's good for Secretary Donley to see what tools we offer as far as ground support goes. Because of our strong ground forces, we are more versatile in our mission and can be more self-reliant."

Secretary Donley said he was impressed with the demonstration given by the members of the 820th BDG, which simulated part of the group's deployed mission.

He thanked the members for all of the sacrifices they make.

"It is essential developing these particular capabilities that your unit provides," he said. "It's an honor speaking to veterans of deployments. You are an essential part of the mission, and I'm thankful for the personal commitment you have to it."

The secretary also had the opportunity to speak to more deployment veterans here, and he listened to the individual stories of 10 Airmen from the 347th Rescue Group.

"Picking the Airmen to speak to (Secretary) Donley wasn't a problem because we have so many people who have combat experience," said Col. Chad Franks, the 347th RQG commander. "Secretary Donley showed the Airmen that he cared about them and acknowledged their importance in the fight. It's good for them to hear that all the personal commitment and sacrifice they put into their careers (is) appreciated and acknowledged by higher leadership."

One of the largest sacrifices Secretary Donley acknowledged was the effects of deployment on Airmen and their families.

"Many of our rescue assets deploy often, and I know that takes a lot of determination, perseverance and support from the family," he said. "There's no doubt of the importance of what you accomplish. You're becoming a part of history, and the combat experience you gain now will go a long way in training younger troops as they join the Air Force."

In addition to meeting with Airmen, Secretary Donley also visited static displays of Moody AFB's three main aircraft, received a resiliency briefing from base mental health specialists and took a windshield tour of other main base facilities.