CMSAF Roy visits Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited team Ramstein March 14, touring various units here.

Roy spoke with Airmen, keying in on resiliency, hazing, restructuring, training and the effectiveness of professional Airmen.

Resiliency is not only about taking care of yourself, he said, it's about taking care of those around you.

"It's not just the ability to work through a really difficult situation, but it's also how you grow while dealing with that situation," said Roy. "When you grow from that situation, it gives that person an opportunity to help wingmen who may be going through a similar situation. Focusing on spiritual, mental, physical and social aspects of resiliency ensures people are well rounded."

On the issue of hazing, the chief said he expects Airmen of all ranks to serve as bold leaders and wingmen.
"Let's just say there's an Airman in the shop who gets in a little bit of trouble and the [noncommissioned officer in charge] disciplines them to a point where maybe it's crossing the line," said Roy. "Every other Airman in that shop should do something to make a difference."

Chief Roy also talked about changes to the Air Force's end strength.

"We are in the process of managing the force, not necessarily downsizing. We will always have room for great Airmen in our Air Force," said Roy. "Just like how I wear two badges, we may ask them to do something else in our Air Force. They'll step up to the challenge."

As a final thought, the chief emphasized the type of Airmen Team Ramstein has.

"The Airmen always impress me whenever I visit, they are very motivated here," he said. "They're the professionals that we expect across our entire Air Force and it's highlighted here."

Roy enlisted in the Air Force in September 1982, started his career as a civil engineer and is the 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force.