Air Combat Command leader visits Holloman Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --  The commander of Air Combat Command visited here Feb. 22 to get an up-close look at the Holloman Air Force Base mission.

Gen. William M. Fraser III, and his wife, Bev, visited base Airmen and answered their questions during a basewide all-call earlier that morning.

General Fraser explained the main reason for visiting a hangar packed full of Airmen was to show his gratitude to the men and women who serve at Holloman AFB.

"Let me first start out by saying thank you," the general said. "We all serve because we want to serve. We all raised our hand to support and defend the Constitution of the U.S. against all enemies, foreign and domestic. What an honor and a privilege it is to serve with you."

He also extended that gratitude toward the families of those serving, stating that their contributions and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. The general asked that all Airmen thank their families for everything they do.

"We've got to make sure that were doing everything that we can to take care of our families," General Fraser said, speaking of the ongoing Year of the Air Force Family program. He later had the chance to see a few of Holloman AFB Year of the Air Force Family projects, including a tour of the dormitories, the base school, mental health and a visit to the new base housing.

"Holloman has done a wonderful job embracing the Year of the Air Force Family," he said. "The houses that I got to see today are first-class. I know that there's a waiting list here, and I can understand why. There's a sense of community here, and people want to be a part of it."

In addition to visiting where Airmen and their families live, General Fraser got to see where Airmen work, including those at the Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources, or BEAR, base.

"I have not had the opportunity to see the extensive operations and what our Airmen are doing out there," General Fraser said. "What is prepared for deployment is certainly going to help us as we continue to ramp up operations in other parts of the world, supporting the mission. They've come a long way and are doing a tremendous job."

He also had the opportunity to visit with Airmen from the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, 16th Training Squadron, 29th Attack Squadron and 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, all of whom support remotely piloted aircraft operators here. General Fraser said the Holloman AFB RPA formal training unit will be an essential component in reaching the Air Force's objective of 50 combat air patrols by fiscal 2011 and 65 by fiscal 2013, due to an increased demand in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

"They're doing a wonderful job. They're really making a difference as we continue to ramp to 50 combat air patrols, and I know they'll be an integral part as we continue toward 65," General Fraser said. "I appreciate all the hard work and sacrifices that not only the Airmen but also their families are making, as this is a critical part of today's mission."

After a few more stops around base and witnessing the Holloman AFB mission full-circle, General Fraser said he was impressed with what he saw.

"I continue to be amazed with the fantastic job that all of our Airmen are doing, especially at Holloman, and their wonderful teamwork in accomplishing the mission," the general said. "I'm impressed with the work everyone is doing on a day-to-day basis and the impact they're having on today's fight."